Emgality and Fatigue: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• May 5, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I never get online to complain or report bad reactions to medications, but I had to discuss Emgality, which was prescribed for chronic migraines. My neurologist told me no side effects. I should have known better than to believe that. After taking the second injection (which will be my last), I feel awful. I've never had a bad reaction like this from any medication ever. First off, my migraines are much worse! I have severe bouts of itching all over, severe insomnia, severe anxiety, irritability, panic attacks, depression, crippling fatigue, and even some paranoia! I've also had bouts of sudden bloating with constipation and severe gas pains followed by diarrhea. I also have hypertension (160/95) and feel like I have arthritis with just aches and pains all over. My body feels beaten up and frail, and I'm an otherwise healthy young man in my early 30s. If you're considering Emgality, remember just one injection means you're committing to one month of it, good or bad. Be cautious and report any bad reactions to the FDA."

• Mtn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 15, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "Have been battling with TIAs and was told it was due to the migraines I have been having 4 to 5 days a week for 3 years. Doc started me on Emgality and told me it would make them go away with no side effects. Took the 2 starter doses and within 30 mins of the second injections began severe itching. By day 3 still have the migraines. Ended up in the ER with rash on face, blurred vision, minor memory loss, itching, joint pain, muscle stiffness, and fatigue. I do not recommend this medication to anyone. The side effects are severely underplayed by the manufacturer. Use with caution."

• Tif...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 20, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I've inherited hormone-sensitive migraines. I stopped taking triptans because of my age and heart issues. I took Emgality, initial two injections then one more. After that, I started to get side effects. I found this site and was relieved to find others with similar reactions... as I thought something else was wrong with me. The number of migraines decreased. But, I have had itchy skin, tinnitus, sleep problems, prickly nerve pain, depression, panic, a terrible bruise, sinus drain, unrelenting nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, one hand swollen and painful to use, back pain, higher blood pressure, and daily, constant headaches & low-level migraines lasting for two weeks at a time. I know my body pretty well. I had one bad drug reaction in the past. I'm certain these reactions I listed are from this medication. I stopped taking it after the second dose... Can't wait till it clears my system."

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 24, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I had an anaphylactic reaction 2 days after. No one, including Eli Lilly, had an anaphylactic protocol to follow. I was placed on high doses of prednisone as an experiment to see if it was helpful. I was unaware that the half-life was approximately 60 days. I experienced muscle aches, lower back pain, lack of appetite, alopecia, fever, and fatigue within 8 hours of injections. I now have dysphasia, dyspnea, tachycardia, irregular heart rhythm, hypertension, alopecia, and glossitis. My migraines last longer and are more painful. My blood pressure is high and not uncommon at 175/100, resting heart rate in the 120s, glossitis, alopecia, dysphasia, and dyspnea. The side effects have not resolved since the initial doses in September. Instead of making me better, I have added a whole myriad of health problems. I was told there would be no side effects. That was a lie. Do your research. Be aware that this drug is newer, and the long-term side effects are unknown. I still have terrible migraines and can’t take anything due to concerns about my cardiac issues. Now I have nothing to help me; I just have to suffer through."

• Lis...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 10, 2023

For Cluster Headaches "I have been taking this medication for about a year. It has helped considerably with my headaches, but I have had severe side effects. Honestly, I didn't consider that it was the Emgality, as the listed side effects were almost none. I have severe bloating- I feel like I have eaten a three-course meal almost all of the time- slight nausea almost all of the time, no matter what I have eaten, which is almost nothing. I have gained weight too. Extreme fatigue, brain fog, insomnia. Unfortunately, I am in the midst of perimenopause, so it's been difficult to tell what is causing all of these issues. I recently took a dose, but it will be my last. I just hope I eventually get back to my former self- even with the headaches. Can anyone tell me how long this will actually last? I can't figure out how to ask questions from people who have commented."

• Don...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 13, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I took the loading dose of Emgality last December, and I'm still fighting the HORRIBLE side effects of this drug. I have had the most MADDENING ITCHY rash and hives all over my back, arms, and legs, and my face! I'm talking about so itchy that I can hardly sit still without trying to literally tear off my skin. I've seen 5 doctors, and I've had 4 rounds of steroids, and I've had 2 rounds of antibiotics due to leg infections from scratching. I've also experienced severe leg swelling, abdominal bloating, and constipation. I'm also so fatigued and have to sleep during the afternoon to get through the day. I can't wait until this drug is out of my system. I would rather have a migraine every day than deal with these side effects. RUN from Emgality, and then RUN some more."

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 16, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "If you have or suspect you have any sort of mental health problems, stay away from Emgality. The first loading dose didn’t do much except give me a little more energy. The second injection seemed to help reduce migraines, and I was rather optimistic. By the third injection, headaches returned worse than before with a myriad of side effects. Stupidly, I had a fourth injection. That was 2 months ago. Now I have headaches almost constantly. Along with that, my anxiety has turned into panic attacks. I also have reflux, brain fog, sore joints, strange heartbeat rhythm, extreme fatigue, and a general feeling of dread. I have read that it takes 6 months for this drug to get out of your system, and it can’t come soon enough. My neurologist swore it wouldn’t affect my mental health, but he was wrong! He only rattled off what was provided to him by the drug maker. Medication with such a long half-life will really bite you in the backside when it goes wrong. Pray I feel better soon."

• Wil...
• June 27, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Started loading dose 11/1, and last dose was 6/1. This medicine was successful in reducing migraine days from 8 to 2 (much weaker ones) per month. Unfortunately, the side effects may outweigh the benefits. - weight gain - swelling of legs/feet - extreme fatigue - difficulty breathing (feels like weight on my chest) - increased anxiety/depression. Sadly, I am too uncomfortable and frankly nervous about what changes internally and long-term this will cause and will have to revert back to my Imitrex."

• Nik...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 11, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I have been taking Emgality for 8 months now. There are side effects. For me, they are minor and preferable to my 9 or 10 migraine days a month. Slight anxiety and paranoia. As long as I keep away from my horror movies, I'm okay. Weight gain. Sucks, but I exercise more and watch my diet. And fatigue. Only bad because I am an insomniac, so being exhausted but not able to sleep sucks. Others have reported much worse and some none at all, but with no change to their malady. I wish you luck and hope you find what works for you."

• Dis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 27, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I took my first dose of Emgality almost three weeks ago and have been miserable since day 5. Have experienced daily headaches, nausea, some days with diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, and constant stomach upset. My stomach burns all the time and have pain on the upper left side of the abdomen. I was really hoping this would work for me since so many oral medications have not. Can't wait for this to be out of my system so I can go back to just dealing with migraines and not all these other horrible side effects. The preventatives I'm currently taking were working better without Emgality. Was just hoping to not have to keep taking those because of the bad long-term effects. Have to keep trying to find something that will work and glad that it does work for those of you that it is helping."

• Sec...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 28, 2023

For Migraine Prevention "My neurologist told me that the only side effect of Emgality was constipation and some weight gain. When I was having other symptoms, I started researching and finally found the reviews on this site. My first two injections were in March 2023. I am shocked that the many other common symptoms are not being shared with patients before starting this medication. I have been suffering from daily migraines for years. The first notable symptom after the injections was joint pain. My shoulders were so painful, and I kept wondering what I had done to have caused this. I was also fatigued and had generalized joint pain. I have IBS, so now I am having 6-7 constipated stools a day. I have had weight gain in my abdominal area, which is above the waist, since starting Emgality. My migraines have continued on a daily basis, but several with auras that I have not had for years. I now am having flu symptoms, so decided not to get the next injection."

• Daw...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 3, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "This Emgality injection HURTS! Anyone that tells you that it feels like a bee sting is crazy, it feels more like a steroid-crazed giant hornet with acid for venom (and I have a very significant pain tolerance). I did not see any reduction of headaches with the Emgality, and my neuropathy actually increased (it started with taking Aimovig, and we added another two meds to try to fix it, but I have yet to see THAT resolve). I also gained 12 lbs in three months. I have been irritable, depressed, and so fatigued I can barely function. I can't sleep because of the neuropathy and end up taking just as much Imitrex as I would normally. Would not recommend to anyone."

• ucm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 7, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "Since using Emgality, I have noticed less severe migraines, but the frequency is the same. Side effects: I have noticed I have no energy and am always fatigued. I have also noticed joint pain, and I'm always hot, not a hot flash type hot, just always hot. Summer's coming, and I'm not sure how I'm gonna survive summer if this continues. I have also noticed weight gain, it has increased my appetite."

• Bat...
• January 30, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "Due to developing severe bleeding duodenal ulcers from years of overuse of NSAIDs, I was put on Emgality. First of all, when a nurse tells you an injection will hurt, she means business. It was the most painful injection I have ever had. I have done 2 full months (3 injections total). The first two weeks after my first loading dose, I did notice a decline in headaches, and I was hopeful! But, a week into month 2, it got icky. I’ve gained 15 pounds in 2 months. I’m sweating profusely. My anxiety is heightened. My irritability and lack of patience have snowballed. The fatigue is no joke, I’m going to bed at 7:30 PM (I’m in my 30s). I have also developed severe, blinding breast pain, and my hormones are completely out of whack. I canceled my appointment for my next dose and was heartbroken to hear it takes 5-6 months for it to leave my system. It’s awful. Also, my decline in migraines stopped in the second month."

• Dda...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 30, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "This is going on my 4th month of taking Emgality, about to give my 4th shot after it becomes room temperature. This might be my last injection. I have had some side effects, constipation is the worst side effect for me, but for the past week leading up to this fourth shot, I’ve noticed my brain is in a fog, I can’t remember what I’m doing, my migraines have returned, I’m low on energy, and my mood is all over the place. I do suffer from anxiety and panic attacks, and I’m on a benzo for that, so I couldn’t tell you if it gave me anxiety or made it worse. I do know when I take the shot, within a few days I’m back to being normal again with no headaches or migraines. I’m just hoping that the new side effects of this week aren’t going to happen daily from here on out because I will stop this immediately."

• Joj...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 11, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I received the loading doses last week for Emgality. First off, they don't hurt as much as people on here say, it's a little sting for maybe 5-10 seconds, not a big deal! It's only been a week for me, so I can't say much yet, but I had no injection site reactions (and I'm highly reactive to everything), no fatigue, no constipation, or anything. I don't expect to see results overnight in regard to my migraines, but it certainly hasn't made things worse. I'm hopeful this is the drug that works for me, I currently get around 20 migraines a month... it's definitely worth a try!"

• Dot...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 5, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I’ve only had two doses of this medication and will not be taking it again. The illnesses and side effects I’ve been having are not worth it. I’ve been through two rounds of antibiotics and oral steroids for bronchitis and pneumonia. After all that, my sore throat, fatigue, and muscle aches are back. I have not had a migraine, though, which I’ll give the Emgality credit for, but not worth feeling like I have the flu every day."

• Luc...
• August 23, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "It has been the worst experience ever with any medication I’ve ever taken. The injections are painful. I now have body aches, mild itchy skin, bloated stomach, constipation, fatigue, inflamed nasal passages, elevated blood pressure, and still have the same damn migraines. BTW, I only had one injection."

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 22, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "Six months on Emgality and I cannot deal with the side effects my doctor claims are not caused by the injections. Yes - my migraines are significantly decreased (90% improvement). However - this med from the first week has caused the following: - severe numbness in my hands and fingers - swelling in lower legs/ankles for days after injection - accelerated heartbeat and raised blood pressure - excessive weight gain (15 pounds in 6 months) despite hard effort to lose - fatigue, uncontrollable tiredness no matter how much sleep I get - extremely painful periods returned (I had not had a period in 11 months heading into full menopause) - anxiety, depression, moodiness, loss of focus, etc. I know it is this medication. I have a life to live and will deal with the migraines."

• Ang...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 28, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I have seizures because of migraines. My seizures are coming under control, but I have been experiencing pain, diarrhea, constipation, and fatigue. I have no motivation to work or leave the house. There is nothing that had prepared me for this. My neurologist said that out of the 3 options, this is the best. I am so bummed out to find out that others have symptoms too because it is really effective. I was so hopeful about getting my life back, but I literally lack the ability to enjoy it."

• Lin...
• November 20, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "My migraines have been chronic for 20 years. My neurologist has told me about these new drugs, trying to give me hope. I tried Aimovig with no positive result. Next, I tried Emgality. It worked well for three months, reducing the number of migraines from about 20 per month to 5, and the ones I got weren’t as painful. I had no injection site side effects but did have increased constipation. After three months, my migraines started increasing in number and Imitrex stopped working again. When Emgality had been effective, Imitrex didn’t work. I began to have troubling side effects such as extreme fatigue, flu-like symptoms, and severe depression. My neurologist decided I should stop taking Emgality. I switched to Ajovy, but it didn’t work well for my migraines. Now I’m back on Emgality since it worked the first three months the last time I took it. However, after one week, I’m having the same side effects. I don’t know if I’ll continue it."

• CMe...
• September 17, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "With Emgality, overall, my migraine pain was less. But I had every other migraine symptom as usual. I'm talking photophobia, phonophobia, fatigue, aches, fuzzy thinking, phantom smells, struggling to follow conversations... every single migraine symptom seemed magnified without the pain. So for me, this didn't really work, but it was a step in the right direction. I also noticed that for about 2 days after the injection, I was completely exhausted-like difficult to function exhaustion-and I was hungry to the point that my stomach would wake me up growling. I think that is why I gained approx 4 pounds each month (total 16 pounds to date). The worst part for me, though, is about 5 days before my next dose is due, I get a debilitating migraine that knocks me down for at least a full day. I won't be taking Emgality anymore, but I would recommend trying it if you suffer from migraines."

• Ari...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 11, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "First dosage was a single dose and went fine, some slight pain, but overall helped a ton throughout the month and decreased my migraines. Second dose didn't help at all. Third went good, and I am on the fourth dose which is definitely doing nothing, I have seen some side effects: weight gain, loss of energy, and mood changes."

• Pau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 26, 2020

For Cluster Headaches "I was in a terrible cluster with multiple headaches per day in the week before I finally got the insurance approval. Because I am on Medicare with Humana, I could not get any help from the manufacturer because federal law will not allow it. I had three headaches the night/morning after I picked up the prescription at one, two, and three, so on Saturday morning I gave myself the shots, and the headaches stopped immediately. However, I felt horrible for the next week and had a faint rash on my back. The fatigue passed, and I recovered and am taking my second injection this week because I can tell I am having symptoms of a resumption of the cluster. Usually, they pass until later in the summer, so maybe this one will be enough for now."

• Hea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 26, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I’m so regretting not researching Emgality before using it. This thread is making me realize my symptoms the past month are not uncommon. I took the first dose in March 2021 after spotty success with Aimovig after 10 months of use. In the past three weeks, I’ve experienced bouts of sadness and depression, extreme fatigue, hot flashes, sore throat, ringing in my ear, GI issues, and weight gain. I have been headache-free, but these side effects are awful and NOT worth it."