Galcanezumab and Constipation: What Users Say

• Abb...
• June 2, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I started Emgality 6 months ago. It was a miracle. I went from having 2-3 migraines a week to nearly none! After trying nearly every drug on the market for this condition, I finally found one that worked! Well, fast forward a few months and I've noticed some not so great changes. I'm severely constipated. I've had to add probiotics and laxatives to my daily life pretty much. Pretty sure my body literally can't go to the bathroom for itself at the moment. I have gained crazy weight and fast! I am very petite. Only 5 ft, been about 100-105 lbs my whole life. Suddenly within the last few months, I gained about 20 pounds with no explanation. If anything, my habits have improved! I've been eating healthier, working out a lot more, but can't for the life of me figure out how I'm gaining weight! Literally this is the only thing that has changed lately. I'm not taking the drug anymore. Not worth becoming unhealthy over. I'll just keep trying others."

• 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."

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

For Migraine Prevention "I started Emgality in January, and while it has helped with my migraine frequency, I am left with dizzying tinnitus and constipation. I have also been experiencing infrequent, short bursts of panic, but didn't make the connection that it was related to the drug until reading everyone's feedback. My neurologist assured me that Emaglity is completely without side effects (with the exception of injection site irritation), and I am really upset that I am now stuck experiencing these additional ailments along with my chronic daily headaches that Emgality wasn't able to help. :("

• Bet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 14, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I have only taken the initial/loading dose (2 injections of 120 mg/ml), but I will NOT be taking any more. There has been no change in my migraines. I am now having severe joint pain (level 9) in places I've never experienced pain before. I have been severely constipated since about a week after the first dose, and nothing is helping. I have had some nausea and dizzy spells, and hot flashes! Extremely dry skin on my hands and feet, to the point of my knuckles and my heels cracking open and bleeding. Very painful! For others who are having these and other undocumented side effects, PLEASE fill out a consumer complaint with the FDA. Google 'MedWatch forms for patients and consumers'. Print a copy for your records!"

• Mar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 27, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I’ve had migraines since forever ago - 40 yrs now and chronic. I have a wonderful neurologist in Canada. I’m not that person who gets lots of side effects but... Emgality was a bad experience for me. I felt like my body was one big hormone - meaning that my breasts were swollen and hurt to touch; I gained almost 15 lbs in 5 mos and my stomach was swollen and painful due to constipation it caused me. I would sweat profusely both day and night and these side effects were awful. My migraines didn’t improve by the 6th month. I’m off it now. We are all biologically different and I’m happy for those that get positive results."

• Anonymous
• April 12, 2020

For Cluster Headaches "I want to thank everyone for their reviews. I now know I will never take Emgality again. I have had about 5 months of stomach problems, had every test done, and the doctors found nothing. I was told it wasn't the shot, so I had my doctor start me back on Emgality. Well, holy moly, my stomach is hurting again, constipated, joints hurting, chest hurts, and on top of that, I'm depressed. I was like, what is going on? Anxiety and moody, sad about nothing. What really makes me mad is all these reviews and the company say NO SIDE EFFECTS. Now I have to wait 5 months for it to leave my body."

• Nik...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 9, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I have been on Emgality for 6 months. I was a DAILY migraine sufferer. I now go about a week or so without any pain. I haven’t experienced any weight gain or other noticeable side effects except for constipation. My migraines are not completely gone, but this has given me an almost normal life again."

• Gig...
• September 2, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I started getting vestibular migraines 2 years ago at the age of 56. I have never had any serious medical problems before this. I suffer from severe vertigo and nausea along with the headaches too. My neurologist tried me on just about everything you could take for this and nothing helps. I started Emgality in November 2019. About two weeks after starting the medication, I started severe constipation, insomnia, hair loss, really bad hip joint pain, and itching. I told my neurologist about it, and he told me none of his other patients had complained of side effects. He said it had to be something else. He wanted me to continue it because it did give me some relief. I suffer from bad vestibular migraines, and it does help me somewhat, but I am going to tell him I want to stop it. The joint pain has now started in my fingers, feet, and shoulders. I can't handle the lack of sleeping and joint pain anymore."

• Tee...
• May 11, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I have been having migraines since I was a teenager. They stopped for a while and recently started back. My MD thought that because I had been taking Topamax for so many years, we should take me off it. So we tried Aimovig, and that gave me severe constipation. He took me off the Aimovig and said for me to do the Emgality loading dose. I did read the reviews, but it was after I had taken the dose. But 6 hours after the loading dose of Emgality, I came down with a severe case of depression and anxiety. I mean, it was bad, it had me crying. So I am stopping the injections as they are not good for me. They may work for others, but it is not for me. Just be cautious with taking any meds, almost all have some side effects. I hope this helps someone."

• Che...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 22, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I've had severe migraines for 35 years and have been on every medication known to man. I've ended up in the ER many times and, on occasion, left the hospital with my headache. I was thrilled when Emgality worked! I couldn't believe it. I went one week without a migraine, then two, then three. I was so happy. But then I started to notice some weird side effects. None that my neurologist mentioned. Strange ringing in my ears, finger joint pain, a feeling of panic and palpitations (right after the injection), constipation, and weight gain (20 lbs!). I took Emgality for six months and only had about ten migraines. The problem is the side effects don't go away, they get worse. I'm so disappointed because I thought I found my miracle. Side note: I haven't taken Emgality in four months, and I still have horrific ringing in my ears and joint pain. And I can't get rid of that lousy 20 lbs. Migraines are back with a vengeance. I'm going to try Ubrelvy and see if that works. Good luck to you!"

• Rut...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 25, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I urge all of you to report your side effects to the FDA and/or Lilly. I have experienced abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, weight gain, back pain, insomnia, and severe/brutal constipation. I have lost more days to all these side effects than I ever did to my migraines. It did take the migraines away for the most part, but it is not worth everything else. I have stopped the medication, and I'm waiting for the side effects to go away. My prayers are with all of you for healing. Again, I urge you to report the side effects so we can save others from this experience. God bless."

• Reg...
• August 22, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Since taking the loading dose, the first weeks I experienced anxiety and did not feel like myself at all. I continue to have severe constipation, bloating, and pain in my stomach and back. I have gained (I did not take the month 2 dose) over 20 lbs in 5 weeks. All in my stomach, bum, and legs! Nothing fits in my closet. I am not sleeping. The migraines have not changed, and the side effects are miserable! I called my neurologist, and she prescribed a depression medication. I am 45, a mental health therapist, and I have never been depressed! Sad, yes, because I was told to call my PCP for the side effects, as what I stated I was experiencing was not listed for this drug. So now what? More appointments I can barely make due to waking up with migraines on the day of doctor’s appointments. I am seriously worried! Do not take until more information about this drug is known! I am so regretting it."

• Ann...
• March 10, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I have been taking Emgality for about one year. I have had zero migraines since I started it. Zero. However, I have gained 15 lbs and have a lot of GI symptoms (constipation, gas, bloating, acid reflux). While I don’t love these side effects, they are tolerable given the benefit of no headaches. I do believe it is worth a try."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 28, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I am on my sixth dose now. It took me nearly 3-4 months to feel a difference. I continue to get migraines around my period and before my cycle. I have gained nearly 15-20 pounds since I started Emgality. I deal with constipation, UTIs, memory fog, and full-force anxiety. It's unfortunate because I've tried so many medications. I was getting anywhere from 3-4 headaches, 1-2 migraines a week. My neurologist said there were no side effects using this drug. However, I feel as if I've gained ungodly weight and have awful mood swings."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I started taking this medicine on July 4th, about 3 weeks ago. First thing I noticed is that I used to have about two weeks a month of headaches due to hormones. Now I'm having daily headaches. Also, I have constipation, major anxiety, trouble sleeping, and itchy hives on my chest. Some days I have no energy and other days I have extreme, negative anxiety. My throat hurts all the time and I'm having sinus issues. I've read that the half-life of this drug is about 28 days, but it takes 5 months to completely leave the body. I hope this has helped others who were unfortunate to use Emgality, and to know that they are not alone with all the negative side effects."

• Sup...
• August 21, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "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 of weeks, so it's going to take a while 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."

• Joa...
• January 12, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "Started Emgality 2/19. Have had a shot monthly through 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 Topamax, it seems my side effects are worsening. Bloating is becoming unbearable, and now shortness of breath. Not taking another dose. Not worth it. I'm grateful for these reviews because I thought something was terribly wrong with me."

• JWe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "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 8 lbs. I have had fewer 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."

• DDa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 16, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "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 gained 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, hip, 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 effects will leave my body. It hurts so bad."

• 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."

• Dox...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 8, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "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."

• Jen...
• June 7, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "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 the injection site, rapid weight gain, swelling of the abdomen and legs from fluid retention, chest pain with palpitations, body aches, constipation, and excessive sleepiness. I cannot wait for this drug to get out of my system."

• Ren...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "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 the 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. The 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."

• Cha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 18, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "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."

• Jes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 25, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I received the Emgality injection dosing in August 2019. It really helped with the migraines, but now I am still suffering bad side effects of red raised skin rashes, red bruises-like marks, elevated b/p, heart palpitations, burning hot on palms and feet, pain in joints and fingers, and had constipation for a few days, night sweats, red itching rashes on the chest. It says to take 5 and a half months for the meds to be out of the system. And it’s almost 5 months and hoping it will go away. My neurologist told me there are no side effects besides redness or soreness on injection sites. She basically lied or didn’t do research before giving it to me."