Galcanezumab for Migraine Prevention User Reviews (Page 3)

• Joano
• January 12, 2020

Emgality (galcanezumab) "Started Emgality 2/19. Have had a shot monthly thru 12/19. Didn't really lessen my migraines much but kept at it. Was also on Propranolol & Topamax. Got off Topamax in Aug. Bad constipation started immediately plus weight gain. But now after getting off Top it seems my side effects are worsening. Bloating is becoming unbearable & now shortness of breath. Not taking another dose. Not worth it. I'm grateful for these reviews because I thought something was terribly wrong w me."

• Tlcdubs
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 31, 2019

Emgality (galcanezumab) "Beware of this drug. I started taking it in April. By June, I was hospitalized for intestinal blockage for 4 days and my blood pressure was running around 160/100 (I already was on a BP med.) My waist was literally 11" larger and nothing worked at home. The GIS in the hospital were flabbergasted because nothing was working there either. No one put the Emgality and side effects together because they are severely under reported and it's such a new drug. Neurologists have been prescribing this like candy with no long term monitoring and patients just don't know because it's supposed to be the better drug in the new class. The really sad thing is that it works for the migraines. So do I lay in the fetal position puking my guts out again or keep fighting the ongoing intestinal blockage and bp with an arsenal of drugs and FODMAP diet to try and beat the side effects? It's a heck of a conundrum"

• Patty
• May 5, 2020

Emgality (galcanezumab) "I have been taking Emgality for a few months. Helped the migraines but the second month I did the injection I developed a rash at injection site and the subsequent injections seem like the reaction is getting worse. When I spoke to my neurologist, she said to take Claritin before the injection but I get drowsy with any kinda of antihistamines( even the ones that say non drowsy) . I tried Benadryl before the shot but still got a bad reaction and neurologist told me it’s possible I could get a bad anaphylactic reaction. So I think I will not take the Emgality anymore. Will have to take my rescue Amerge when I get a migraine and keep looking for my miracle cure one day. I do believe the all side effects of Emgality are not well known yet and are under reported."

• JWest
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2019

Emgality (galcanezumab) "I have been on it for 2 weeks, 2 loading doses were administered. Yes it’s painful, but nothing compared to a migraine. My neurologist told me no side effects other than injection site reaction- I should’ve gone home and researched it before agreeing! I have had horrible anxiety and constipation. My stomach constantly feels bloated and I have gained 8lbs. I have had less headaches but not worth the side effects to me. My antidepressant lessens their frequency enough for me without side effects. Definitely worth trying just don’t believe it if they tell you no side effects! It’s only been available 1 year and there are no long term studies of the effects of this drug. Not interested in being a guinea pig, no more Emgality for me."

• Super...
• August 21, 2019

Emgality (galcanezumab) "After starting emgality I started having GI issues. I had severe constipation, severe abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, insomnia, back pain, weight gain. It did take away the headaches; hardly any headaches or migraines. I spent over $2,000 on procedures trying to determine what was wrong with me and now I'm faced with the fact that it was side effects from this medicine. I've only been off of it for a couple weeks so it's going to take awhile to get out of my system. I am truly hoping that it doesn't take the whole 5 months for me to feel better. It's not worth all the side effects. The part of me regrets taking it but had I not taken it I would have wondered if I was suffering from migraines needlessly. Well I have my answer.... I want my body back even if it means the migraines as well. Thank you so much everyone for posting and letting me know that I'm not crazy."

• Saphe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 20, 2019

Emgality (galcanezumab) "This drug Emgality was amazing for migraines. I went from 20+ a month to maybe 2. However, after three injections I finally figured out it was causing my depression and anxiety. I had been on antidepressants already and my depression was controlled. Once I started Emgality it was a slow downward spiral that is so severe I’m not working and have to force myself to leave the house. My sleep is horrible (even with sleeping meds). It’s been almost three months since my last injection and there’s been no improvement in my psychiatric issues. My doctor has already made two med changes with my antidepressant with no results. This is terrifying."

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

Emgality (galcanezumab) "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."

• Surgi...
• June 13, 2019

Emgality (galcanezumab) "Let me start off by saying I have tried EVERYTHING out there for my daily headaches and migraines. When I was first introduced to Emgality I initially thought this would be just another medicine that wouldn’t work for me. Boy was I wrong. I went from literally waking up with a migraine or headache every single day to only having one per month which was easily managed with over the counter medicine. This medicine has truly changed my life. I used to not be able to go out and have a good time because I feared the loud music would induce another migraine. I wasn’t able to spend time outside in the sun as it would usually create a headache and eventually a migraine. Now, I can go out and listen to my favorite music without any worries. I can spend time in my garden and play with my son without having to dread a headache afterwards. This medicine has made such a difference in my life and I’m truly thankful to have something that actually helps me."

• DDano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 16, 2020

Emgality (galcanezumab) "I started Emgality a month and a half ago. The drug worked quickly. But after 2 days I got severe back pain + hip ( joints) and extreme constipation. The migraines went down . I have gain 10 pounds without changing my eating habits, and my back and hip are hurting. I was in bed for two weeks and could not move. . But the headaches were fine. Three days before the second shot my back felt a little better. In the second injection the next day the terrible back pain returned, and the weight gain continued already (12 pounds). The neurologist decided to take me off the drug Emgality helped a lot with the headaches, but the back and hip and the constipation, and weight gain are too much on my body. I wish it would work for me . (It worked and eliminated the headaches and migraines, but the side effects were too much for me. I have 2 more weeks and I hope the side effect will leave my body.. its hurts so bad."

• Dawson
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 7, 2019

Emgality (galcanezumab) "I have never been so sick. I have been dizzy and nauseous since I took this shot 6 days ago. I feel super hot and like I could throw up, but I haven't. I also have a horrible sore throat. I had none of these issues prior to getting the Emgality shot. Since then, I've felt depressed and haven't been able to function. I'm having trouble sleeping too. Whatever happens, don't take this drug! None of this was listed as a possible side effect and I wish I'd never taken this drug. I would do anything to get it out of my system."

• Lady
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2020

Emgality (galcanezumab) "I have had migraines since I was nine years old (I'm 42). I have them during my cycle monthly, as well as other triggers. When I get them they usually last approximately 3-7days. I was up to about 15 migraine days per month before Emgality. I took my first dose on September 12th 2019 and the migraines vanished. I have had a few slight headaches since then but not one migraine. It's amazing to know what it feels like to not have migraines and trying to work through it and live your life normally during pain. But now the last few months, my anxiety is worse, I'm very irritable, have brain fog, I am having stomach pain, I am bloated, and my blood pressure and weight are up. I'm loving not having migraines so much I've even thought about not stopping with the side effects even though I need to. I've prayed for something to work for all these years.I finally experienced how it is to be without migraines I'll probably have to go back to migraines. Frustrated"

• Migra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 6, 2019

Emgality (galcanezumab) "I took this 5 days ago and have has constant nausea since. I have been horribly depressed and sad and wasn’t before this shot! I also have a horrible sore throat and am exhausted. DO NOT TAKE THIS. IT IS SO MUCH WORSE THAN ANY MIGRAINE."

• Lolo
• January 12, 2020

Emgality (galcanezumab) "I got my initial dose at the end of October. I only had 2 headaches the following month. Felt bloated about 1 week after, thought I was eating too much rich food. At the end of November my period lasted for 10 days ( Normally 5). 2nd shot on Dec 5, got hives on my leg for a week. Bloating, abdominal pain, cramping got worse. I’ve gained 10lbs all in my stomach and look pregnant. Explained these symptoms to my mom who pointed out this started after I started Emgality. I asked a pharmacist friend who said a lot of people have been complaining about the side effects and my symptoms could be from Emgality. I’m supposed to take my next dose but will not. It’s a bummer because it does work for migraines but not worth the pain in my abdomen and I’m concerned about long term unknown affects of this new drug. Hope I didn’t do lasting damage and hope this medicine will leave my body soon."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 15, 2021

Emgality (galcanezumab) "I took my first (only) injection 3/14/21 I was fine for about 3 to 4 days then my nightmare began. Very weak, nauseous, body and muscle aches, depression, teeth are super sensitive and hurt to touch, ears ringing and dizziness but the best part is my migraines are worse and more frequent. I will never take another chance again. Who would have thought through all this I WISH I only had a migraine. Does anyone out there know how long this misery will last? I have been in bed for 3 weeks now."

• MJano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 13, 2019

Emgality (galcanezumab) "Beware the super long half-life of this drug -- side effects take forever to abate. First dose July 8, last dose August 9. Never again. I was on Aimovig for a year (which worked!) but insurance made me switch. Migraines came roaring back after switch to this medication. First dose caused mild hives for a week or so. Second dose caused a delayed severe hives reaction that started 4 days after injection and is still going a month later. I've also gained 15 pounds since start of treatment. Needless to say, I'm done. As soon as the hives go away, I'm going back to Aimovig. PLEASE REPORT YOUR SIDE EFFECTS to the FDA and Eli Lilly."

• Danie...
• February 11, 2020

Emgality (galcanezumab) "I have to say “Thank God!!” For these reviews- I was “hopeful” about trying out Emgality. I can say that after reading so many people’s experiences that I feel almost relieved in a sense that I’m not the only person going through this pain. I’m in my early 30’s and have suffered from debilitating migraines for 15+ years- so bad that because I’ve taken so much Excedrin Migraine over the years- it almost finished me off. Having my 2 young daughters watch me bleed out internally because of a bleeding peptic ulcer caused by excedrin, you can’t help but feel absolutely helpless like there will NEVER BE ANYTHING TO HELP. It’s nice to know there’s people out there who realize that “it’s not just a GD headache!” Thank you to all of you who have tried it and I’m sorry if these drugs made anything worse for you- more pain is definitely NOT what you deserve!!! Good luck to all of you!"

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

Emgality (galcanezumab) "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. Also have reflux, brain fog, sore joints, strange heartbeat rhythm, extreme fatigue and 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 effect 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."

• Jen
• June 7, 2019

Emgality (galcanezumab) "Emgality has caused many side effects for me that are not listed. In the two months that I've been using Emgality I have had pain and irritation at injection site, rapid weight gain, swelling of abdomen and legs from fluid retention, chest pain with palpitations, body aches, constipation and excessive sleepiness. I can not wait for this drug to get out of my system."

• Bbanski
• January 11, 2021

Emgality (galcanezumab) "I did two doses first round and had no migraine the whole month! Dreaded the injection the second month IT HURTS! My mood was melancholy and my bowels had slowed. I assumed it was stress from work. I got two major migraines that month *10 from what I was use too. Came time for third injection. I was super depressed (so out of character) ears ringing, and I hadn’t had a bowel movement in a week. When I went to the neurologist who said it was related to the medication and I need to stop immediately. I had had the 3rd injection that morning. It takes months for it to get out of system. I downward spiralled into a depression unexplainable. I had a constant headache for months that would turn to migraine then back to a headache. It’s been 6 months I still have issues with peristalsis of my gut. My brain literally doesn’t tell my guts I need to go anymore. I would not recommend. My migraines are so much worse than before I started Emgality."

• Charlie
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 18, 2020

Emgality (galcanezumab) "Aimovig caused severe constipation so my neurologist switched me to Emgality. Both drugs work well, and migraines are almost non-existent now, which has completely changed my life. I have noticed weird dreams, but no other side effects. I am so happy with Emgality. I was able to return to work full-time after 13 years of disability due to migraines."

• Allison
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 13, 2019

Emgality (galcanezumab) "The morning after taking my first dose of Emgality, I woke up to a racing/pounding heart, which developed into high blood pressure (we have a cuff at home) and shortness of breath. Went to urgent care thinking it was some kind of reaction (they gave me some Benadryl and sent me away) but then I came on here and found out those are just some (apparently common) side effects. Today is day 5 (day of highest drug concentration) and my heart wavers from seemingly fine to beating over 100bpm and feeling like it’s going to leap out of my chest. BP still high. Can’t sleep at night due to the pounding heart and racing thoughts (I have mild anxiety but folks this is wild). My doctor just said not to take it again. Thanks? Positive note? No migraines since."

• Doxi
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 8, 2020

Emgality (galcanezumab) "I had my first double-shot loading dose 8 days ago. I had no headache the first day but stomach cramps and a strange feeling of anxiety. Day 2 got a low-grade migraine which has not subsided since. Yes, I've had a headache for the past week despite Emgality, along with intermittent constipation (not too bad) and anxiety. Other strange symptoms are: food tastes and smells weird, forgetfulness and brain fog (the other day I forgot if I took a shower). The worst thing of all is the constant headache - it was not like this before so Emgality has actually made my headaches worse. It takes a VERY long time to leave your system so think twice before starting this medication. I wish I hadn't. Then again, if I didn't do it I would never know and would always be wondering."

• Renee
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2020

Emgality (galcanezumab) "I have used Emgality twice now. It has lessened my migraines which I've had since age 9 (now 57); however, at what cost? I am having debilitating pain in my left knee first month which continues. Now having pain in my left thigh which feels like a stabbing, muscle contorting pain like a charley horse you get in your calf. Several times a day. I can barely walk at times. I will not take a third shot. Doctor wants me to try Botox next. My migraine frequency was at the 15 per month range prior to Emgality. I tried Amiovig but the constipation was off the chart."

• Willo...
• June 27, 2019

Emgality (galcanezumab) "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 - difficultly 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."

• Hank
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 10, 2020

Emgality (galcanezumab) "Worst medication ever for me.. Horrible side effects. Dizzy constipation horrid dreams terrible nausea. Please avoid if possible obviously everybody is not the same. Worse than the medical problem for me."