Galcanezumab and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Mel...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 9, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "I have had horrible migraines for over 20 years. I have tried a million medications, including Botox, as well as a sphenopalatine block. (Not sure how to spell that one.) Nothing worked for me until my neurologist recommended Emgality. I was hesitant at first because I despised injections, but I was overwhelmed with constant pain and desperate for relief. I noticed a difference within the first two weeks and called my doctor after the first month. It was truly a miracle. I am totally migraine-free. I occasionally have a mild headache, but it’s gone after a couple of NSAIDs. Now, I tell everyone and anyone about this medication. It has given me my life back. I am extremely grateful. Thank you!"

• Sam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 2, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "I took Emgality 2.5 weeks ago. I immediately had poor sleep - feeling hot while sleeping, drenching night sweats, and insomnia. During the day, the headaches were milder, but I still had to take Relpax, which isn't great given Emgality seems to predispose to strokes. I noticed when I drank small amounts of alcohol over the holidays, the sleep is even worse; on top of the symptoms above, I wake up with a headache, nausea, anxiety, and buzzing in my head. There is something wrong with this drug. Clearly, the side effects are not properly reported. I'm thankful for this site since I knew something was wrong. I won't continue with it."

• Sar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 20, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "Stopping Emgality after 2 years, I have gained 25 lbs since and cannot lose it. I've been on so many diets, even keto, and can't lose. I have severe bloating that is sometimes painful. My gastrointestinal tract is completely out of whack, I have muscle spasms, even in my eardrums, and I still get occasional headaches... no energy, feeling tired all the time... just not worth the side effects..."

• LIZ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 14, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I started the first (double) dose of Emgality (galcanezumab) ten days ago for migraines. I had some headaches, but my Fiorinal knocked it out fairly quickly. Prior to this, I had a migraine for ten days with little to no breaks in between, so it is working. I have to say that mentally, I don't feel like I'm in a constant fog, so I am hoping continued use brings me to a new and better normal."

• Beb...
• September 4, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "On 07/30, I received my initial dose, and all was fine until 3 days into the injection when I started to break out in very itchy bumps all over my body. Basically, as soon as one was gone, another one would pop up. 2 weeks into the injection, I got a bad urinary tract infection, which lasted for 10 days, including abdominal cramps and back pain. Up to this point, I had 0 migraines or headaches (from originally 2-3 per week). Before my next dose, which I received on 08/30, I got 2 breakthrough migraines because of my period. On the day of the shot, 4/5 hours after, I got one of the worst pressure headaches where I thought my head would implode, it was very painful and unpleasant. 2 days later, the next migraine came, and after that, another one, which was really awkward. This time, I feel definitely more fatigued compared to after the initial dose, where I had trouble staying asleep and somehow felt more energized, which is not the case this time."

• Oli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 1, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "In a few days, I will give myself my 3rd shot of Emgality. The first month, the loading dose was great. I had 2 slight headaches, which I took Tylenol for, and it worked, which never happens! It stormed twice, and I didn't get a headache! That was just amazing to me! This 2nd month, I have been sick with a sinus cold and have had some migraines (but not as many as usual) and felt crappy. Also, I needed new contact lenses, which I now have. I normally have about 18-20 migraines a month. The shot hurts much less if you do it in a fleshy part. I did my thigh the first month, and it hurt like crazy. Last month, I did my stomach, and it hardly hurt at all. I'm really hoping this next month goes even better!"

• Dia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 30, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "After the first dose, my headaches were gone! It is now a week and a half later, and I have a migraine. I’ve had none of the side effects others have described. I’m wondering if it is normal to get a couple of headaches while taking this drug? I’m still a few weeks away from my second dose..."

• Kel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 6, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I did my loading dose, then the third injection. At first, I just noticed constipation and weight gain. About a week after my third injection, my vision became blurred on my way to work. I’m an ICU nurse, so I went into work and realized vision wasn’t improving. The neuro PA’s told me to go to the ER. In the ED, they noticed right pupil changes, right-sided weakness, and worked me up for a stroke, which was negative. I got a pretty bad headache that night in the hospital. The next day, I started having trouble getting words out, memory problems, and concentration difficulties. Currently in OT for vision changes and concentration. The doctor said he doesn’t think it’s Emgality, but I reported it to the FDA. I’ve never commented on these sites but felt it necessary in case anyone can relate. My symptoms are slowly going away, it’s been 2 months since my last injection."

• Nmm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 26, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "Been using for 1 month. Just took 2nd dose. (Last month was loading dose). I've had 2 mild headaches. Took 800 mg Motrin for the one that was more painful. Took nothing for the second one. Haven't missed work for migraines. I feel so free! We've had terrible weather, rain, sleet, and snow! I usually get real bad migraines when we have bad weather. I remember thinking, 'Shouldn't I have a headache?' This is great. No painful injection, no side effects!"

• Not...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 20, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I took the 2 injections of the initial dose and felt fine! Then I started noticing dizziness, but my headache seemed to ease off. But my period was irregular. Very uncommon for me, I am always regular! I took the next month's injection, and my tongue started to feel funny, kind of tingly all the time. Dizziness increased, constipation started, tiredness, and headache started back. My hair started falling out, I bruise very easily and stay cold all the time. The side effects are awful, even though my neurologist said there are not really any side effects. So totally not worth it! Don't try it! I read somewhere it takes 5 months for the medication to leave your body, so hopefully some of these side effects will soon stop!!!"

• Ean...
• May 9, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Emgality worked great for me with the first round (two shots in my leg), but it did cause very bad leg and back discomfort the first two days, but it goes away. I took my 2nd injection on the 7th (more than 28 days). I was supposed to do it on the 3rd (exactly 28 days), but I was super sick and had kidney stones. Ever since then, I’ve had my daily headache in the same place they have always been. I wish I was able to take the two shots every month, but that is not allowed, it is only safe to do one shot a month after the first round. Does anyone know if it has to be exactly 28 days or can it be a couple of days past?"

• tjw...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 2, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "Since my first injection of Emgality, I am experiencing RAGING HOT FLASHES and skin splotches. I have had headaches for 30 years after a skull fracture and mild TBI. I haven't slept more than 2-3 hours a night due to soaking my clothing and sheets in sweat since my first dose. I am experiencing 25 to 30 days of chronic headaches. I won't take another dose. Feeling like a human guinea pig again! I don't feel like these side effects are being reported or advertised."

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 27, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "I have been on Emgality for a year now, and it's a 180 life changer. I had a concussion when I was 1 year old, and so my whole life I've suffered from chronic migraines. I'd miss school, throw up from them, blurry vision, and extreme pain at least 3 days a week. My whole life, I am now 26 and have been migraine-free for a year now. I have had occasional small headaches about once a month, but nothing a little Excedrin won't fix. I highly recommend this prescription. The only negative thing would be because my insurance wouldn't cover it unless I saw a neurologist, and I have had a list of at least 5 prescription meds that failed to work, so it can be a process to get it. If your insurance doesn't cover it, the med is $600 a shot, which is ridiculous. I'm just glad I have insurance."

• Ayn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 1, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "Folks, if your doctor tries to tell you that an amazing medicine exists with no side effects - don't believe them. The only reason this medicine can claim to have no side effects is because it hasn't been around long enough for the FDA to compile enough data from reports to their MedWatch hotline. There is a reason why this medicine comes with pamphlet instructions on how to report any side effects to the FDA. Within 2 weeks of my first injection, I rapidly gained 10 lbs out of nowhere, with no other dietary or activity level changes. If anything, I've been more active and taking more daily walks! But this medicine caused intense and rapid weight gain and bloating. I feel like a balloon. Also, my head has actually been feeling WORSE since taking this. Much more headaches, dizziness, and balance issues. Look at other reviews, and you'll see many people reporting the same. Stay away from Emgality!"

• NCc...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 18, 2023

For Migraine Prevention "This medication has cut my migraine days in half, and they are not as bad as before starting this medication. My migraines used to be 7-9 out of 10 on the pain scale (most times requiring me to go to urgent care/ER for IV meds). Now my worst migraines are 5 out of 10. The downside of this medication is the side effects on my monthly injection day. After administration, it always causes nausea, dizziness, and a headache. I usually have to take a migraine absorptive and lay down within 30 minutes of the injection."

• Mik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 14, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "This drug is awful. I have had dizziness and a worse headache since taking 2 injections 3 months ago. Now I understand it will take 5 months to get it out of my system."