What type of drug is Emgality?
Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm) is a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonist monoclonal antibody used for the prevention of migraine, and for the treatment of eposidic cluster headache in adults.
There are four approved calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonists that are monoclonal antibodies:
- Aimovig (erenumab-aooe)
- Ajovy (fremanezumab-vfrm)
- Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm)
- Vyepti (eptinezumab-jjmr)
All four drugs are indicated for the preventative treatment of migraine. Emgality is the only CGRP antagonist that is also approved for the treatment of episodic cluster headache.
How do calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonists work?
When CGRP binds to its receptor, a cascade of events such as vasodilation and protein leakage begin that results in inflammation and pain associated with migraine.
- Emgality, Ajovy and Vyepti work by binding to the CGRP ligand and block its binding to the receptor to help prevent migraine pain.
- Aimovig selectively binds to the CGRP receptor (not the ligand) to block CGRP activation, thereby preventing migraine pain.
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Does Emgality cause weight gain?
Weight gain is not listed as a side effect in the product information for Emgality (galcanezumab) and phase 3 studies reported that there was no difference in the amount of weight gained between people taking Emgality and those assigned placebo (an inactive treatment). Anecdotally, however, some people have reported gaining weight. Continue reading
How long does it take for Emgality to work?
When Emgality (galcanezumab) is administered to prevent migraine, it starts working within one month of initiation, but it may take up to five or six months for the full effects of Emgality to be seen. When Emgality is administered for the treatment of cluster headache, it starts working within one week of starting treatment, but it may take up to three weeks for the full effects to be seen. Continue reading
Do Emgality injections hurt?
Yes, Emgality injections may hurt. Pain at the injection site is one of the most common side effects reported with Emgality, with 18% of people experiencing it. Some people also experience excessive amounts of pain with Emgality with comments on blog sites stating "It was one of the most painful things I've ever felt" and "Thigh, thigh, then arm, all were unreal painful....coming from the girl who falls asleep and takes naps during 6hr tattoo sessions". Continue reading
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Drug information
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