Galcanezumab and Headaches: What Users Say

• Jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 24, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I took Emgality on February 1st. I took a single dose since I am very sensitive to medications. The very next morning, I suffered extreme anxiety, heart palpitations, and nausea. My nausea became so bad that I ended up dry heaving in the bathroom for about 30+ minutes. I am now on day 21 and have had terrible anxiety, more nightmares than usual, and burning in my hands and forearms. I continue to have heart palpitations that seem to get better and then worse. I also have daily bouts of crying and my body is in a constant fight-or-flight. The positive is that I have not had a full blown migraine in 21 days, just a lesser dull headache that that comes and goes and is often so subtle to be a non issue. However, for me, all of these side effects are not worth it. I would prefer to have the migraines. I would 100% not recommend this medication as the side effects are very intense and debilitating. If anyone has any helpful advice on how to navigate through this, I would appreciate and welcome any help."

• LWa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 3, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I have had migraines for the past 18 years. My doctor has tried everything. When Aimovig came available, I tried that and of course, no more migraines. Due to insurance not approving, my doctor switched to Emgality. I experienced the same thing, no migraines. But now, after taking the shot for ages, my body is just falling apart. My knees and joints ache every day. I've gained weight and my eating habits have not changed! And of course, my doctor assured me no side effects. I disagree totally! I will no longer take the shot and deal with headaches. I just want my quality of life back."

• Ham...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 22, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "Doctors, nurses, & paramedics did not know anything about this drug. They won't physically see anything wrong because this is a central nervous system drug for the brain nerves. 8 months and I'm still suffering from life-threatening adverse effects. You may experience more headaches after the 6 months have expired. Emgality, real name Galcanezumab-gnlm, is derived from CHO cells (Chinese Hamster Ovaries cells). Emgality has fetal cells in this migraine injection. This is 'recombinant DNA technology', look it up, and do your research. This is animal DNA technology medicine. They do not have anything to counteract this drug, and it stays in the body for ages. If you have side effects from it, they will treat you with prednisone steroids and antihistamines. I had several brain strokes. I had high elevated ALT Liver Enzymes in my blood. Stay away from these types of preventative injections."

• Not...
• March 12, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "Was reluctant to start Emgality as I've tried so many methods that didn't work for years. My migraines started at the age of 9. I'm 65 and have become stronger through the years tolerating the pain. But why should I? This is why. 1st injection was awesome. First time in years I could get things done without pain. 2nd injection worked 75% but still elated I could function. 3rd injection was 50% and I was disappointed as my headaches/migraines returned. I hesitated to take the 4th one but did anyway, hoping it would work. Within a few hours of injecting, I had an instant headache on my left side. I'm on my 21st straight day of a severe headache/migraine with no relief. I went to ER, and they ruled out a mass or fluid. So, here I am, suffering worse than before I started the injections. I truly hope it starts getting better before the 30 days are up. If so, then it was the Emgality. I'll keep you posted."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 29, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I was vaccinated with Emgality a week ago. Right after the injections, I started feeling nauseous and weak. I came home and had to lie down. I thought I was starting to get really sick. The doctor told me it did not seem to be related because it has no side effects. The next day, I started itching and tingling in the body. After two days, I woke up with a terrible headache with nausea, and my migraine pill Naramig did not help at all. The terrible headache persisted for 4 days with terrible weakness and nausea. Nine days have passed since the injection. Headaches, weakness, and nausea do not go away. Doctors say Emgality has no side effects! I'm sure all these symptoms are from the drug. I'm already waiting for it to leave my body. I prefer the migraines I used to have twice a week. A terrible drug to try."

• 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."

• 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."

• Lol...
• January 12, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "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 10 lbs, 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 effects of this new drug. Hope I didn’t do lasting damage and hope this medicine will leave my body soon."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 3, 2023

For Cluster Headaches "Horrible! Injection hurt very much. Within 20 minutes, I was feeling dizzy and nauseous. My feet and knees were swollen, and I had shallow breathing. Had my daughter take pictures to show my doctor. Went to urgent care. The doctor agreed I had a bad reaction. Today, I woke up with a sore throat and headache. Taking Zyrtec that the doctor prescribed and pain meds. Activated my chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and trigeminal nerve. Now I have 28 more days of this drug in my system. Can’t wait to see what else happens."

• 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."

• Bba...
• January 11, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "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 times what I was used to. Came time for the 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 third injection that morning. It takes months for it to get out of my system. I downward spiraled 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."

• 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."

• NDa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 20, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Life changing! I have suffered from migraines since 12 years old, now 45, and they have been terrible. I ended up in the ER in August. I cried to my neurologist that I couldn’t take it anymore. I have a husband, 2 kids, and a job, and I was so sick of feeling like garbage every day. She gave me my loading doses that day and two shots to take home. I am on the 2nd month, and I can’t tell you how awesome I feel!! Everyone around me is noticing how I don’t complain of migraines anymore. I get slight headaches but not bad at all. I feel like I have my life back!!"

• NIC...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 2, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I've had migraines since I was 15. I'm 46, a teacher, a mother of 2 kids under 12. There was a point in my life when I had more days with a headache than without. Sometimes, I'd lose vision in my peripheral and feel numb down the side of my face. I'd be nauseous. Light would cause great pain. I was on drugs and vitamins to prevent. I tracked my diet and made changes. I had three levels of migraine meds, with the last two being so strong I hated taking them. This was my life. Then my doctor suggested Emgality. I've taken it now for 8 months. Not one migraine. I do notice that about 1 week before I need the shot, I have a dull, annoying headache every day. Light sensitive sometimes then. No other symptoms. I've talked to my doctor about stopping my other meds: Gabapentin and Topiramate. It is wonderful for me. I'm so sorry for the others this didn't work on, but I think it's worth a try. I wish I'd been able to stop them years ago."

• Mar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 31, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I have been taking Emgality for 8 months now, and it saved my life. My migraines were so bad and came on so fast I lost my job and my way of life. Then I found Emgality, it took my migraines down to once or sometimes twice a month. I was so happy - until I started to gain weight like crazy, and 30 extra pounds later, I started getting more headaches. As far as joint pain goes, I have RA, so I have joint pain all the time, but it is possible it got worse while on Emgality. But again, Emgality saved my life!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 11, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I have only been on Emgality for 2 months. So far, I've had increased headaches (which feel different from the typical migraines that I experience). Similar to Aimovig, the most noticeable side effect is severe upper abdominal bloating--feels like my insides are getting squeezed out. I'm not constipated but have decided to take magnesium to support that area just in case that has something to do with the bloating. I was going to try to take this for at least 3 months but I'm not sure if I'm going to take the next dose or not. Lots of people seem to find Emgality beneficial. So far, I'm not seeing it, but perhaps I need to give it more time. I've had an equal number of migraines as typical---and more headaches."

• Anonymous
• July 27, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I started taking the Emgality about a week ago. Since then, I've had headaches every day, I've been super shaky, I've been having muscle twitches, and I have felt extremely light-headed. I had headaches before the injection, but I didn't feel this weird. I want it out of my system. No more injections for me."

• Rob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 18, 2019

For Cluster Headaches "I had the initial loading dose, which were 2 self-administered SubQ injections into the fatty part of my lower abdominal area while at the doctor's office this Monday. There was an initial slight stinging that went away in a minute. I had a headache battle going on in my head for a couple of hours afterward that felt like a light switch going on and off. I usually take Imitrex daily for 17 years for daily headaches/migraines/clusters. I took a dose of Imitrex and haven't had a headache since 5 days now."

• Ene...
• July 11, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I had one dose given last June 24. The next day, I had a severe headache, sore throat, muscle ache, and have been having bad migraines almost every day. So severe that I feel like my head is heavy, hot, and that I am about to vomit every single time. Before Emgality, my migraines came mostly after or before my monthly period, but they could be handled by either wearing sunglasses, laying down, taking Excedrin, or sitting in the dark. I only had one, and I have three more doses available, which I'm scared of using now because I'm dreading the side effects may worsen."

• Ras...
• March 6, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "Miracle drug or impending death?! Finding a once-a-month treatment with NO side effects (seriously, please read on Lilly’s website) or drug interactions with my medications was a dream come true. No pain or irritation from injection, no reaction, and only one migraine. A few minor headaches that Advil has kept in check. However, in the meantime, I have basically felt so bad. I can barely move, my bones and muscles all ache. I drop things, have a hard time opening things. They have done so much bloodwork, and so far the only thing they can come up with is Emgality, and Lilly has a big fat lack of transparency. Read online and see what other patients say. That is what my doctor discovered."

• Tan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 7, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I just administered my 6th (maybe 7th?) dose, and honestly, this drug changed my life. I used to get migraines daily; just completely awful. After using this medication, they are now under control. I may wake up a day or two here and there with a bit of a headache, but it’s so much more manageable now, like I can’t even believe it."

• Kel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 18, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I took the loading dose 2 months ago, and it threw me into a 10-day migraine and headaches most other days. I have been sweating excessively since the shot, and I’ve never had this problem before. I wouldn’t mind this if it had actually helped me. It made everything much worse, and I am so thankful it is getting out of my system."

• Jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Initial 2 injections, flushed and hot the first 2 weeks. Now I'm having horrible headaches, nauseated! I take the second dose August 12, but I'm calling my neurologist Monday! Insomnia as well. None of these side effects were listed!"

• Mrs...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 23, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I have occipital neuralgia, which causes me chronic migraines. They are pretty relentless and include facial numbness and tingling, as well as head pressure and pain. I had an unrelenting migraine for almost 8 weeks. I immediately felt relief. I sometimes have a twinge of pain, like I am getting a migraine, but it relents, and I have not had a full-blown migraine since my loading dose."

• Kat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 4, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "First 3 months, no difference. Months 4-6 were great, reduced headaches and severity. Months 7-11, headaches increased again along with severity. I became very depressed for 6 months (at the time, I did not think it was related to Emgality, but 2 months after being off it, the depression improved greatly). Overall, glad I tried it, but in the end, was not for me and did not make a big enough difference to continue."