Emgality for Migraine Prevention User Reviews (Page 2)

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

"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."

• Robyn
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 15, 2023

"Horrible experience. I could not figure out why I’ve had debilitating depression and anxiety and even suicidal ideation out of the blue, which is something I’ve never dealt with or experienced, and for no reason. The only thing that changed is that my doctor changed me from Aimovig to Emgality. I’m going back to Aimovig as I did not have any side effects from it, and Emgality did not improve my migraines. All it did was give me debilitating depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Absolutely do not recommend. No idea how long this is going to last, but it got worse as time went on, and I did not suspect this med as it’s touted as “no side effects,” which is an absolute lie - look at the reports here. Steer clear of this med."

• JPR
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 18, 2023

"I am a 45 y/o female with Hashimoto's, an autoimmune disease that attacks my thyroid. Symptoms include joint pain, hair loss, fatigue, constipation, etc. Finally got on T3 and started feeling much better. Fast forward, I start having pain (pins and needles) in my legs and feet, then my hands and arms. PCP refers me to a neurologist to test for neuropathy. Tests came back fine, the doctor I got is a migraine specialist and kept asking me about 'my migraines.' I reminded him I wasn't referred to him for that, but he, like most doctors, didn't listen. He says I have fibromyalgia, which, sorry, is a joke, and said to go get P.T. and take Cymbalta!! Hard pass, I never took it. I go for a follow-up, I had been having insomnia prior to the visit, so I wasn't thinking clearly. I somehow got talked into taking this shot, and omg, I REGRET it, it's AWFUL. I have trouble breathing, joint pain is worse, the chest is tight, depression, insomnia, and much more. STAY AWAY from this poison! I only had one injection, by the way, we all need to report to the FDA now, doctors won't report it!"

• Jjano
• May 3, 2020

"Started Emgality December 2018, only known side effect was injection site redness. By 3rd month, I was not having migraines, not even a headache. Occasionally I would get a migraine, maybe 1-2 per month. Started to notice hair loss about 4 months in. Joint swelling, numbness, and tingling in my elbow started at month 7, went away after 5 months after specialists couldn’t tell me what was wrong. Didn’t attribute to the meds. Month 11 vertigo started. Would come and go but became debilitating. About the same time I started noticing brain “fog” and word-finding difficulties that would just randomly come and go, which were terrifying. Saw my neurologist and did an MRI, results negative. It seems all of the vertigo and brain fog symptoms are worse the week after the injection. This is month one off of the med. Praying I feel better as I would rather have an occasional migraine than these symptoms."

• Gigi
• September 2, 2020

"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."

• Teedove
• May 11, 2021

"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."

• LCano
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 4, 2020

"I started Emgality in January 2020 and saw an improvement in my migraines in the first month. After the third month, I began having an allergic reaction at the injection site, which is very itchy and irritating. I get huge red, raised welts at the injection site. Other than that, no constipation, no nausea, no dizziness, or trouble breathing. I haven't gained weight, but I haven't lost any either. The allergic reaction on my skin has almost been enough to make me discontinue use, but I keep telling myself it's a small price to pay for fewer migraines. I still have a few each month that I usually treat with Imitrex. Has anyone else experienced giant red welts at the injection site?"

• Illin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 16, 2020

"I have been on Emgality for 4 months now for chronic migraines. I'm having bad side effects. I have gained 10 lbs (I'm an avid runner 20+ miles/week), cracking and rashy skin, anxiety, horrible dreams, severe neck pain, and waking up every day feeling hungover (I rarely drink). Initially it was great where I had about a 50-60% reduction in migraines, but it's getting much worse, maybe only a 10-20% reduction. I'm on day 3 of a migraine and ready to call it quits."

• Tiffa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 20, 2021

"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."

• Cherdes
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 22, 2020

"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!"

• Court...
• February 19, 2020

"My last dose of Emgality was December 21, 2019. I haven't used it since. I've had migraines since childhood. I'm afraid to restart the injections since the terrible depression and anxiety I experienced from just four doses. But the headaches are horrible. I recently switched to a new depression Rx, Prozac. I can't take Topamax with my SSRI. I'm disappointed with my doctor's attention to my complaints of side effects and symptoms. I'm at a loss."

• LJR
• January 30, 2020

"I got my double dose in September and saw little improvement in my migraines. Then, following my October and November doses, I had an incredible reduction in the number of headaches. I was elated. It took me a while to connect my muscle and joint pain with the drug, and I now realize I’ve had increasing numbness and tingling in my hands and feet for the past few months as well. It took months to build up. I am now in so much pain in my arms and legs that I am woken up multiple times a night from the pain. I also have shortness of breath I didn’t have before. Plus, I’ve had more headaches the past two doses. I wish I hadn’t taken the last dose two weeks ago because I’m afraid I have a long haul now before these symptoms go away. I’m really disappointed because it seemed so effective, but I can’t wait for it to leave my system now! I wish I’d realized earlier my symptoms were from the Emgality. And my doctor assured me there were no side effects. He drank the Kool-Aid."

• Mano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 24, 2020

"I had an anaphylactic reaction 2 days after. No one, including Eli Lilly, had an anaphylactic protocol to follow. I was placed on high doses of prednisone as an experiment to see if it was helpful. I was unaware that the half-life was approximately 60 days. I experienced muscle aches, lower back pain, lack of appetite, alopecia, fever, and fatigue within 8 hours of injections. I now have dysphasia, dyspnea, tachycardia, irregular heart rhythm, hypertension, alopecia, and glossitis. My migraines last longer and are more painful. My blood pressure is high and not uncommon at 175/100, resting heart rate in the 120s, glossitis, alopecia, dysphasia, and dyspnea. The side effects have not resolved since the initial doses in September. Instead of making me better, I have added a whole myriad of health problems. I was told there would be no side effects. That was a lie. Do your research. Be aware that this drug is newer, and the long-term side effects are unknown. I still have terrible migraines and can’t take anything due to concerns about my cardiac issues. Now I have nothing to help me; I just have to suffer through."

• Cat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 18, 2019

"Emgality was something I wanted for months. I had to try to get the insurance to approve it, and when it finally did, I was so happy! The pain of the injection wasn't pleasant, but at least it was short-lived pain. To my horror, this causes EXTREME ANXIETY! My doctor and neurologist said it didn't have side effects: WRONG!!! The Emgality is the only new medication, and I didn't have this problem before taking Emgality. The side effects that I have experienced are: Extreme ANXIETY, Irritability, Nervousness, Itching all over body. Benadryl helps, 2 every 4 hours. The slight help this medicine has been for my headaches is of no value at all compared to the horrible life-altering side effects. Would not recommend to anyone! I'd rather hurt with a migraine than be an anxious, nervous wreck! Run from this stuff!"

• Tru
• May 25, 2020

"Started Emgality in November 2019 after experiencing daily headaches, approximately two migraines a week, and occasional thunderclap headaches. Worked great at first, by late December, my headaches were cut by 50%, migraine severity was much less, and only one thunderclap. January and February were even better, with the only marked symptom being the week before my injection when I returned to daily pounding headaches that ended in a mid-level migraine. Then, in mid-March, difficulty breathing started. It is now near June, and the doctors have no explanation for why I’m having breathing issues. Turns out it’s a known side effect of Emgality, and one of the most common too. It’s terrible, like someone is constantly sitting on your chest. Considering the pandemic, it could not have been worse timed."

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

"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."

• Roro
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 24, 2019

"OMG! I am so glad I looked here before having myself admitted into a behavioral health center. I took my first loader dose on the 5th of June, and for the past few weeks, I've had severe depression that lasts a few days, and I have been an emotional outburst of a crybaby all day at different times. I have been unable to fall asleep. Feelings of anxiety, doom, and gloom overpower me, and I experience leg cramps from the knee down. My calves feel bruised and weak. Thankful I looked up reactions to Emgality."

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

"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."

• Regret
• August 22, 2019

"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."

• Blue
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 3, 2020

"From the age of 20-44, I suffered migraines. I tried everything OTC and prescriptions for prevention and pain. I had at least 10-20 migraines a month. Triggered from food, weather, stress, and always the week of my menstrual cycle. Twice a year, I would get the ones that would last 3 days. After they would end, my body would be weak and sore from the migraine. First 2 months of Emgality, I had a couple of headaches. Not migraines, but a headache! 3rd month, nothing! Not even on my monthly cycle week! 4th month, I had something. Not a migraine. Not a headache. Just a feeling where my migraines used to be. It’s been 9 months, NO MIGRAINES! Only side effect, swelling in my hands and feet. The medication does start to wear off on the 4th week. That is when I get the “feelings where my migraines used to be.” Guys! I’m telling you! This is MY MIRACLE! After 24+ years of suffering with migraines weekly, I found a cure! Yes, I believe it has cured my migraines! Emgality is a miracle drug!"

• AJano
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 1, 2020

"I started this in October 2019 and stopped in July 2020 due to a 20 lb increase in weight. Unfortunately, my doctor doesn't believe it's from that. But I watch my calories and exercise. I've had suspicions since March, but I wanted to see if it could get better."

• Anna
• March 10, 2020

"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."

• Annie
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2019

"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."

• Sick...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 17, 2019

"I have had migraines every day for over 30 years. I have been to numerous headache hospitals all over the country. I tried Botox, got bad side effects, especially with my eyes, had to stop. Then went to Aimovig - bad side effects again, heart problems, body aches, and made me very dizzy. Then went to Emgality, and these side effects are horrible: UTIs, flu symptoms, body aches, heart beating out of my chest. Loss of memory, feel like I can't get out of bed never ever again. I am on Imitrex and Zomig every day, this works. But I take one or the other every day. I have not ever been without a headache. These meds, Aimovig, Emgality, and Botox just don't work for me. Please tell the manufacturers that these are scary."

• Angel
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 12, 2019

"On the second month of Emgality. I truly thought that I was on my way to a mental hospital. Days of crying. Uncontrollable crying! Scary thoughts. Never felt so down in my 40-year life. Terrible anxiety! Please get out of my system fast!"