Emgality and Pain: What Users Say

• 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."

• Kik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 28, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "In reply to a comment from demellj who wrote this: 'Taken for 1 to 6 months, February 12, 2020, for Migraine Prevention.' 'Has anyone else experienced side pain like near your right side hip or back pain?' YES! My whole right side; shoulder, hip, side, and back! I thought it was just me."

• LJR...
• January 30, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "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."

• LJR...
• January 30, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• MTH...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 4, 2025

For Migraine Prevention "One of the rare males that have migraines. Been taking Emgality for about 4 years. Was having 8-10 a month and now down to zero. Painful giving the shot for about 10 seconds each month, but well worth 10 seconds to be migraine-free. Used to carry migraine pills with me but no longer do. Good luck, and I hope this helps."

• Ser...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 6, 2024

For Migraine Prevention "This is the first time I've read more than a few reviews on Emgality. My migraines started in 2020, it's been a long road. My migraines are hormone-related. I took my loading dose in July of 2023, in a few days, it will be my 6-month mark. I wasn't prepared for the horrible burning pain during the injection, but luckily it only lasts a few minutes. The morning after my injection, my heart was racing so fast I almost couldn't breathe, it made me panic. It subsided after 30 minutes. I haven't had any other side effects, and that only happened one other time after an injection, but less intense. The first month, I had more than a 75% reduction. I felt really good too, cleaned, spent time with friends and family. Then the following months, it went to maybe a 30% decrease, a few rough months. On my 5th month, this month has been pretty good so far. I did start having odd back/spine/hip pain, not sure if it's connected, but after reading comments, it makes me wonder. It is manageable though."

• cat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 21, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I switched to Emgality after having constipation on Aimovig. It's possible this drug gave me an allergic reaction. First week, I had trouble breathing occasionally. Second week, I started having tremors and shakes. Third week, I had severe dystonia (couldn't walk). The whole time, I had horrible leg and back pain. In addition, I had more and worse migraines than ever. Ended up in the ER twice after this drug. 0/10"

• Kim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 28, 2024

For Migraine Prevention "Definitely helps a lot! I had migraines almost 3-4 times per week. Had to get refills on my rizatriptan all the time... Doc suggested I try Emgality. After 2 months, I already saw results! I only have 2-5 migraines a month now! They get more frequent the closer I get to needing my next injection, but once I get my injection, they go down again. This drug is wonderful! My only gripe is that it hurts like a mother trucker... I use a lidocaine prilocaine cream and ice before my injection. It helps with the pain of the needle, but the liquid going into the skin hurts very bad! :( Also causes me to bleed quite a bit. The pain goes away after about 2 minutes, but my thigh is sorta sore for the rest of the day, also causes a light green bruise at the site for about 3-4 days. I am terrified of needles, so my father does it for me. It's over quickly though, and it works wonderfully! I love Emgality, I will never try anything else! It's also free with my insurance and coupon card!"

• Tan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 15, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Three months ago, I had the initial loading doses, and for about a week afterward, I felt like I was hit by a train; my entire body was so sore. However, as long as I inject the refills at the right time every month (I’m on my fourth dose now), my migraines have basically disappeared. And I used to have horrible ones nearly every day for years; absolutely awful. This med is a godsend. The only other issue for me with this drug is the injection itself is pretty painful for about 10 seconds. But if that’s all I have to endure to end my migraines, that’s a win for me."

• Tan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 15, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Three months ago, I had the initial loading doses, and for about a week afterward, I felt like I was hit by a train; my entire body was so sore. However, as long as I inject the refills at the right time every month (I’m on my fourth dose now), my migraines have basically disappeared. And I used to have horrible ones nearly every day for years; absolutely awful. This med is a godsend. The only other issue for me with this drug is the injection itself is pretty painful for about 10 seconds. But if that’s all I have to endure to end my migraines, that’s a win for me."

• Sun...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 26, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I started Ajovy, but had a bad reaction at the injection site. Aimovig caused severe constipation. I've had severe migraines and various treatments for 30 years, including physical therapy for neck issues, gabapentin, narcotics, Botox, Kenalog shots, BP drugs, antidepressants, and Nurtec. You name it, I've tried it. I've taken Emgality for over a year now, and it cuts my 15-20 migraine days down to mild headaches. Migraines that left me sitting in the dark at work, vomiting on the way home, could barely rest my head on a pillow, it hurt so bad. It is truly a godsend for me. It does wear off a few days early, but I take the next shot as soon as it’s fillable. Although I've gained 10 lbs, I feel like I gained 20. I also started noticing a lot of hip, knee, ankle, joint/muscle pain the last few months, and my chest aches some days [neg COVID]. I know how bad migraines will be if I stop Emgality, but side effects are starting to bother me more each time. Nothing else really helped, so it's a hard decision to make."

• Sun...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 26, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I started Ajovy, but had a bad reaction at the injection site. Aimovig caused severe constipation. I've had severe migraines and various treatments for 30 years, including physical therapy for neck issues, gabapentin, narcotics, Botox, Kenalog shots, BP drugs, antidepressants, and Nurtec. You name it, I've tried it. I've taken Emgality for over a year now, and it cuts my 15-20 migraine days down to mild headaches. Migraines that left me sitting in the dark at work, vomiting on the way home, could barely rest my head on a pillow, it hurt so bad. It is truly a godsend for me. It does wear off a few days early, but I take the next shot as soon as it’s fillable. Although I've gained 10 lbs, I feel like I gained 20. I also started noticing a lot of hip, knee, ankle, joint/muscle pain the last few months, and my chest aches some days [neg COVID]. I know how bad migraines will be if I stop Emgality, but side effects are starting to bother me more each time. Nothing else really helped, so it's a hard decision to make."

• Sun...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 26, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I started Ajovy, but had a bad reaction at the injection site. Aimovig caused severe constipation. I've had severe migraines and various treatments for 30 years, including physical therapy for neck issues, gabapentin, narcotics, Botox, Kenalog shots, BP drugs, antidepressants, and Nurtec. You name it, I've tried it. I've taken Emgality for over a year now, and it cuts my 15-20 migraine days down to mild headaches. Migraines that left me sitting in the dark at work, vomiting on the way home, could barely rest my head on a pillow, it hurt so bad. It is truly a godsend for me. It does wear off a few days early, but I take the next shot as soon as it’s fillable. Although I've gained 10 lbs, I feel like I gained 20. I also started noticing a lot of hip, knee, ankle, joint/muscle pain the last few months, and my chest aches some days [neg COVID]. I know how bad migraines will be if I stop Emgality, but side effects are starting to bother me more each time. Nothing else really helped, so it's a hard decision to make."

• not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I started a portion of this injection one month ago. Since then, I can’t sleep, and I have had non-stop migraines. Prior to that, I had migraines 1 to 2 times a week. This was the worst decision I have ever made. I’m literally just trying to survive right now, I’m in so much pain. I sleep 3 to 4 hours a night, which is part of the reason I can’t ever get rid of these migraines. I wish I never decided to take this. Anyone had a similar experience or know how long these side effects stay?"

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 1, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I don't feel Emgality works very well as I continue to get migraines half or a little more through the month. It stops working the last week of the month, leaving me with excruciating migraines. Also, when giving myself the injection, it is very painful, and I have a high tolerance. It has a long sharp needle, and the medication burns. I have tried Aimovig, and I didn't feel any of that pain at all. Also, Aimovig lasted the whole month. This shot needs a lot of improvement."

• Ang...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 28, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I have seizures because of migraines. My seizures are coming under control, but I have been experiencing pain, diarrhea, constipation, and fatigue. I have no motivation to work or leave the house. There is nothing that had prepared me for this. My neurologist said that out of the 3 options, this is the best. I am so bummed out to find out that others have symptoms too because it is really effective. I was so hopeful about getting my life back, but I literally lack the ability to enjoy it."

• Mig...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 19, 2023

For Migraine Prevention "I have suffered from migraines for 20 years and have tried all the medications out there! My neurologist suggested Emgality as the migraines had gotten worse. I only took the first dose! My skin was so itchy all over and felt like I could scratch my skin off and could not sleep, and I had a huge spike in anxiety. The doctor said to just take Benadryl, and he did not check again. I will not be taking Emgality for a 2nd time! Not to mention the horrible pain they do not warn you about while taking the shot!"

• Cat...
• December 22, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I have been using Emgality for 4 months now. It has changed everything for the better. Although I have nausea occasionally, it has made me lose weight and has gotten rid of migraines 95%, but I also was prescribed a tranquilizer for sleep, so they're both working together. Unfortunately, when being injected, it is the worst pain I have honestly experienced from an injection, it makes me shake. I will continue to use it, though, because I was getting migraines every day!"

• cou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 9, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I started taking Emgality as migraine prevention, as I get them about 2-3 times a week. First dosage (double dose) went fine, some slight pain, but overall helped a ton throughout the month and decreased my migraines. Second dose, on the other hand, didn't help at all, I was getting them every morning. Not to mention all the weight gain! Talked to my neurologist and asked about pregnancy in the future, if it would hinder anything, and she said she didn't recommend taking it if I was planning to get pregnant. I decided to stop taking it, and it's thrown my cycle off so much. I'm trying to eat better and exercise more, and that seems to be helping with the headaches. Overall, I don't think I'd recommend taking this."

• 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."

• Lou...
• May 3, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "Worst medication I have ever taken! I have just taken my second dose and have horrible joint and body pain. My abdomen is so swollen, sweating profusely, and in extreme pain all over. I would rather have a migraine than deal with all this. I wish I had seen this site before I started taking it. Please share with the FDA so no one else has to go through the pain."

• Lou...
• May 3, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "Worst medication I have ever taken! I have just taken my second dose and have horrible joint and body pain. My abdomen is so swollen, sweating profusely, and in extreme pain all over. I would rather have a migraine than deal with all this. I wish I had seen this site before I started taking it. Please share with the FDA so no one else has to go through the pain."