Emgality and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• sha...
• September 23, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "Emgality was a new med for me. I had 2 doses injected. Within 24 hours, I was sick as anything - nauseated, sweating like I came out of the shower and hot constantly, tremors, difficulty breathing walking 8 feet, increased my blood pressure and pulse significantly, chest tightness, sore throat, sinuses stuffy then runny, body aches from my toes to my teeth, my toes and fingers go numb and cold, noted clinical weight gain of 5 lbs in 3 days and bloated in my stomach. In 24 hours to 4 days and still going. Neurologist noted my reactions as 'unusual'. Fill out medwatch form for FDA safety reporting. Changing my neurologist. The doctor was so nice till I complained. I know my horrific migraines=pain+bed. Migraines barely under control is now migraines with 10 other issues I did not have months before or never all at once. Tested me for COVID and I was negative. They dismiss my reactions to this new med and push me away. The doctors take no accountability. I feel someone will die from these reactions in time."

• 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."

• Abb...
• June 2, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I started Emgality 6 months ago. It was a miracle. I went from having 2-3 migraines a week to nearly none! After trying nearly every drug on the market for this condition, I finally found one that worked! Well, fast forward a few months and I've noticed some not so great changes. I'm severely constipated. I've had to add probiotics and laxatives to my daily life pretty much. Pretty sure my body literally can't go to the bathroom for itself at the moment. I have gained crazy weight and fast! I am very petite. Only 5 ft, been about 100-105 lbs my whole life. Suddenly within the last few months, I gained about 20 pounds with no explanation. If anything, my habits have improved! I've been eating healthier, working out a lot more, but can't for the life of me figure out how I'm gaining weight! Literally this is the only thing that has changed lately. I'm not taking the drug anymore. Not worth becoming unhealthy over. I'll just keep trying others."

• Not...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 27, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "After trying almost every migraine prevention method over the past decade, while damaging my kidneys in the process, I finally found relief with Emgality. Also, I haven’t had to pay anything out of pocket with Cofinity insurance. I’m going on 14 months and have had less than a dozen migraines. I do occasionally have headaches, but they don’t progress. I used to suffer daily. My only complaints are that I have gained about 10-15 pounds and cannot seem to lose it. Also, the nerves in my teeth constantly ache, but my bite guard and secondary medicine Sumatriptan usually help with that. The week prior to my injection date, I do start to feel icky, like my body knows it’s due for more. I can’t imagine not taking this medicine. Prior to this, I could barely function in society. I have two college degrees and could barely hold a job because of my attendance. I’m in my early 30s and have been suffering since my late teens. I can honestly say Emgality has saved my."

• Mar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 27, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I’ve had migraines since forever ago - 40 yrs now and chronic. I have a wonderful neurologist in Canada. I’m not that person who gets lots of side effects but... Emgality was a bad experience for me. I felt like my body was one big hormone - meaning that my breasts were swollen and hurt to touch; I gained almost 15 lbs in 5 mos and my stomach was swollen and painful due to constipation it caused me. I would sweat profusely both day and night and these side effects were awful. My migraines didn’t improve by the 6th month. I’m off it now. We are all biologically different and I’m happy for those that get positive results."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 31, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "I understand that this drug can be life-changing for some people, and as someone who hoped she was one of those people, I do not wish to take that away from anyone. I just encourage caution when trying this drug, as side effects are not properly labeled and a small percentage of people will experience life-altering side effects. I was told constipation was the only thing I needed to look out for (lol). Since my second dose (it's been two and a half months now), I have been experiencing extreme brain fog to the point of having dissociative episodes. I have also had mood swings, aura, dizziness, and nausea, weight gain, intermittent cold-like symptoms, and strange cardiovascular occurrences (abnormal breathing, irregular heart rate). This medication has destroyed my life and left me unable to function. There is a lot of propaganda out there promoting CGRP drugs, but I encourage you to find an unbiased source of information on CGRP's role in the body before trying a drug that alters it."

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

For Migraine Prevention "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."

• Che...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 22, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "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!"

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

For Migraine Prevention "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."

• AJa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 1, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "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."

• Sup...
• August 21, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "After starting Emgality, I started having GI issues. I had severe constipation, severe abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, insomnia, back pain, weight gain. It did take away the headaches; hardly any headaches or migraines. I spent over $2,000 on procedures trying to determine what was wrong with me, and now I'm faced with the fact that it was side effects from this medicine. I've only been off of it for a couple of weeks, so it's going to take a while to get out of my system. I am truly hoping that it doesn't take the whole 5 months for me to feel better. It's not worth all the side effects. The part of me regrets taking it, but had I not taken it, I would have wondered if I was suffering from migraines needlessly. Well, I have my answer... I want my body back even if it means the migraines as well. Thank you so much, everyone, for posting and letting me know that I'm not crazy."

• 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."

• Joa...
• January 12, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "Started Emgality 2/19. Have had a shot monthly through 12/19. Didn't really lessen my migraines much but kept at it. Was also on Propranolol & Topamax. Got off Topamax in Aug. Bad constipation started immediately, plus weight gain. But now after getting off Topamax, it seems my side effects are worsening. Bloating is becoming unbearable, and now shortness of breath. Not taking another dose. Not worth it. I'm grateful for these reviews because I thought something was terribly wrong with me."

• Lis...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 10, 2023

For Cluster Headaches "I have been taking this medication for about a year. It has helped considerably with my headaches, but I have had severe side effects. Honestly, I didn't consider that it was the Emgality, as the listed side effects were almost none. I have severe bloating- I feel like I have eaten a three-course meal almost all of the time- slight nausea almost all of the time, no matter what I have eaten, which is almost nothing. I have gained weight too. Extreme fatigue, brain fog, insomnia. Unfortunately, I am in the midst of perimenopause, so it's been difficult to tell what is causing all of these issues. I recently took a dose, but it will be my last. I just hope I eventually get back to my former self- even with the headaches. Can anyone tell me how long this will actually last? I can't figure out how to ask questions from people who have commented."

• MJa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 13, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Beware the super long half-life of this drug -- side effects take forever to abate. First dose July 8, last dose August 9. Never again. I was on Aimovig for a year (which worked!), but insurance made me switch. Migraines came roaring back after the switch to this medication. First dose caused mild hives for a week or so. Second dose caused a delayed severe hives reaction that started 4 days after injection and is still going a month later. I've also gained 15 pounds since the start of treatment. Needless to say, I'm done. As soon as the hives go away, I'm going back to Aimovig. PLEASE REPORT YOUR SIDE EFFECTS to the FDA and Eli Lilly."

• Jen...
• June 7, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Emgality has caused many side effects for me that are not listed. In the two months that I've been using Emgality, I have had pain and irritation at the injection site, rapid weight gain, swelling of the abdomen and legs from fluid retention, chest pain with palpitations, body aches, constipation, and excessive sleepiness. I cannot wait for this drug to get out of my system."

• Wil...
• June 27, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Started loading dose 11/1, and last dose was 6/1. This medicine was successful in reducing migraine days from 8 to 2 (much weaker ones) per month. Unfortunately, the side effects may outweigh the benefits. - weight gain - swelling of legs/feet - extreme fatigue - difficulty breathing (feels like weight on my chest) - increased anxiety/depression. Sadly, I am too uncomfortable and frankly nervous about what changes internally and long-term this will cause and will have to revert back to my Imitrex."

• hea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 19, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I would not recommend this at all. I have gained 20 pounds, it has not stopped any of my headaches or any of my symptoms at all. I actually feel worse. I have been on this for three months and will not be taking this anymore. I feel this should have been tested more before being put on the market."

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

For Migraine Prevention "I’ve been using Emgality for 4 months. I started experiencing strange health issues. My biggest concern is impaired cognition. I feel the same as when I was on Topamax. The side effects from Emgality for me are memory and speech problems; stuttering and stammering, short-term memory loss, painfully swollen hands and feet, shortness of breath, sore throat, always hot, 10# weight gain, extreme insomnia and panic attacks, tinnitus, balance issues, and some breakthrough migraines. My neurologist ordered an MRI to rule out anything with my brain. She discontinued Emgality and I will be back on Botox. Praying no long-term effects upon discontinuing this medication."

• Nik...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 11, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I have been taking Emgality for 8 months now. There are side effects. For me, they are minor and preferable to my 9 or 10 migraine days a month. Slight anxiety and paranoia. As long as I keep away from my horror movies, I'm okay. Weight gain. Sucks, but I exercise more and watch my diet. And fatigue. Only bad because I am an insomniac, so being exhausted but not able to sleep sucks. Others have reported much worse and some none at all, but with no change to their malady. I wish you luck and hope you find what works for you."

• Sec...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 28, 2023

For Migraine Prevention "My neurologist told me that the only side effect of Emgality was constipation and some weight gain. When I was having other symptoms, I started researching and finally found the reviews on this site. My first two injections were in March 2023. I am shocked that the many other common symptoms are not being shared with patients before starting this medication. I have been suffering from daily migraines for years. The first notable symptom after the injections was joint pain. My shoulders were so painful, and I kept wondering what I had done to have caused this. I was also fatigued and had generalized joint pain. I have IBS, so now I am having 6-7 constipated stools a day. I have had weight gain in my abdominal area, which is above the waist, since starting Emgality. My migraines have continued on a daily basis, but several with auras that I have not had for years. I now am having flu symptoms, so decided not to get the next injection."

• Rob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 13, 2023

For Migraine Prevention "Update to my previous review: still have side effects even though my last injection was 2+ months ago, with new side effects still emerging. Food either tastes very strange or has diminished taste. My appetite is low, however, I have actually gained weight and am also not losing any despite having a very low appetite. I’ve had to start TMS to treat severe depression and suicidal ideation. Still on BP meds which I never needed prior to Emgality. I would not touch this med with a 10-foot pole. It took several months to begin having side effects, and now despite being off of it, I’m still dealing with the side effects, and they are continuing to increase. STAY AWAY!"

• TSR...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 28, 2023

For Migraine Prevention "I just took my 4th dose of Emgality, so I’m 3 months in. I gained over 10 lbs within the first 2 months, all in my belly, and now on my butt a little too. The scale keeps going up, despite cutting down calories and increasing exercise every day. I’m so bloated with this belly, my back hurts, I have tinnitus, and head fullness, and my anxiety has been more severe. This medication works for under 3 weeks. Prior to the next injection, I had BAD migraines. After injections, I feel like I have the flu within 24 hours. Constipation, followed by stabbing abdominal pain and watery diarrhea. My period is showing up late now, and I have hair loss. Each month the drug is less effective, but the side effects are more intense. More studies need to be done on this drug. I can’t believe it will now take 5 months to leave my system."

• ucm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 7, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "Since using Emgality, I have noticed less severe migraines, but the frequency is the same. Side effects: I have noticed I have no energy and am always fatigued. I have also noticed joint pain, and I'm always hot, not a hot flash type hot, just always hot. Summer's coming, and I'm not sure how I'm gonna survive summer if this continues. I have also noticed weight gain, it has increased my appetite."

• Bat...
• January 30, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "Due to developing severe bleeding duodenal ulcers from years of overuse of NSAIDs, I was put on Emgality. First of all, when a nurse tells you an injection will hurt, she means business. It was the most painful injection I have ever had. I have done 2 full months (3 injections total). The first two weeks after my first loading dose, I did notice a decline in headaches, and I was hopeful! But, a week into month 2, it got icky. I’ve gained 15 pounds in 2 months. I’m sweating profusely. My anxiety is heightened. My irritability and lack of patience have snowballed. The fatigue is no joke, I’m going to bed at 7:30 pm (I’m in my 30s). I have also developed severe, blinding breast pain, and my hormones are completely out of whack. I canceled my appointment for my next dose and was heartbroken to hear it takes 5-6 months for it to leave my system. It’s awful. Also, my decline in migraines stopped in the second month."