Emgality and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Ma ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 22, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "I was asked to try this medication to see if it may help with pain, I think, because I only get a few migraines a month. After the initial loading dose of two cartridges, my weight went up by 15 lbs rapidly. To add insult to it all, I started having extreme joint pain and knee swelling. The variables to add were that I had been between COVID infections. Maybe that weighed in. I'm not going to be negative on the product; it might work for someone else very well. But being obese to start with and that extra 15 lbs stressed the knee. If you are already heavy, I might want to do my homework. I had, but found it difficult to find precise information. I wish the company didn't flood the Google search. I might have been able to make a more informed decision if I had been able to pull up differing opinions. I couldn't find the negatives until it was too late."

• Eri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 24, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "Emgality works for about 3 weeks. However, I've noticed in the last week leading up to your next injection, it's migraine after migraine. The injection itself feels like a tetanus shot and is very sore for 3 days. Here's all the side effects I have been experiencing: 1.) Weight gain 2.) Hot flashes to the extreme of sweating and soaking my clothes. 3.) Insomnia/night terrors. 4.) Joint pain. 5.) Vertigo and nausea. 6.) Constipation."

• Pie...
• February 22, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I started taking Emgality early January 2021 for migraines (8 to 10 a month) off and on for 30 years. I had also started experiencing severe cluster headaches. My doctor asked me to try Emgality; since there were no serious side effects listed, I agreed. The injection was more painful than I anticipated. My head started hurting within a day or so after injection and continued hurting every day, and some bad cluster headaches. I now have insomnia, foggy brain, and depression every day, some days worse than others. I have already gained 8 lbs since taking the Emgality. I decided not to take my second injection and found out this does not leave your body for months. This is February 21st, and I'm still experiencing these adverse effects. I wished I had not taken this medication; this has been a terrible experience. I cannot wait until this is out of my body and I feel normal again! I would not recommend taking this medicine. Good luck to all that are seeking relief from your migraines!!"

• Dam...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 3, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "Emgality has worked miracles for my migraines. They are almost completely gone. The injection is only painful for a few seconds as the burning from the liquid is absorbed. BUT I have severe constipation, my stomach is swollen and distended (I look 6+ months pregnant). My physician is concerned I’m becoming toxic and on the verge of a ruptured colon. I have also picked up 15 lbs in 6 months on the drug. I wish I could continue migraine-free, but these side effects are becoming unbearable."

• 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!"

• V-d...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I was switched from Topamax to Emgality in July 2021. The first two months were fine, I did immediately have hair loss, but told myself I could deal with that. Beginning in September through November, during the week prior to my injection being due, I started having horrible migraines again - the auras, the vomiting, vertigo, the works. I also had experienced a significant weight gain of almost 25 pounds with an increase in blood pressure, my normal being 118 over 70 was now 150 over 90. My December injection, now 2 weeks before my next one is due, sudden onset migraine at work with vomiting, had to call my son to take me to the ER. I was told these are not the side effects of Emgality, but change your medications is the only thing different in my life. I will not be taking this anymore, and I'm scared for what's going to happen until it is all out of my system."

• The...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 31, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I’m 44 and have had migraines since 14. 15-20 per month. Ajovy worked best with little constipation and definite weight gain. Injections were a horrible, extremely painful experience. Great for migraines. Insurance quit paying, so now Emgality. I took my first dose of 2 injections 7/24. DR says no side effects, rubbish, constipation within 3 days of injection. Within 5 days, the worst pain in my fingers. Neuropathy of sorts. My arms and joints hurt. I suffer from PTSD and general anxiety, so I can't speak as to whether it is worse or not. Seems to be common. In one week I'm up 4.5 lbs and haven’t changed my diet at all. I had weight loss surgery 14 years ago and am unable to eat much and have not gained weight back, and yet after this injection I’ve already started gaining. The injection itself was a quick 5-second pain. I had a pen injection vs. a long needle. Only burned a few seconds and had no other injection site. The pain in my hand and fingers is horrific, and the weight gain will cause me to reconsider the next dose."

• UPS...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 7, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "I took Emgality for about 5 months before I just couldn’t take the side effects any longer. Not just an 'upset stomach' but doubled over in pain and extreme nausea to the point where one day I came very close to vomiting at work in front of coworkers. Constipation followed by stool so loose I thought I might need to wear diapers. Weight gain of about 10-15 pounds. It was horrible because it took me 4 months to figure it out before finally stopping the drug altogether. Not to mention how painful the injections were. I’m not afraid of needles, and I’ve never done self-injections before, but I had to psych myself up every time I did the shot. I don’t know if it was because it needed to be refrigerated (take it out 30 minutes before injection), but I did not look forward to doing them at all. I can’t even remember how well it worked because the side effects were so horrible. Sticking with sumatriptan."

• arm...
• June 2, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I've had migraines since I was 11 years old. I've been on just about everything over the years to treat them. Five years ago, I suffered a high-level spinal cord injury, and my migraines got dramatically worse. Gained major weight on Aimovig, had issues with my period, and went off. Ajovy stopped working after a few months. Received my first Emgality dose a week ago. The day after receiving my injection, my already limited hand strength decreased to almost nothing. I use forearm crutches and keep losing my grip since receiving my injection. I'm falling non-stop, have been constipated, nauseous, had extreme pain, inflammation, issues with my blood pressure, and my migraines are still as bad as ever. This has been an insanely horrible drug for me, and I'm going to fill out the adverse forms with the FDA. It is also expensive on Medicare at over $100 an injection. If it had worked, I would keep paying; but right now, I feel like I'm paying for something that's causing me grievous harm to my body."

• Cla...
• April 11, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "The drug did not work for me and did not reduce my migraines. Previously, I had tried Aimovig and Ajovy. Ajovy I found to be most effective. I’ve been on Emgality for over 3 months - my menstrual cycle has been affected to the point I wondered if going through menopause early - I’m 35. Also, I have gained almost a stone in 3 months with no difference to my diet or exercise. Sadly, no decrease in migraine and so will go back to Ajovy. I’m keen to know if anyone else has had the same side effect with periods and weight gain. The doctors will not hear of the weight gain being a side effect, but I’m seeing so much of it on here. Is it because the manufacturer knows this will reduce uptake on the drug? Also keen to know of those that did put on weight/periods affected - how long did it take to return to normal? Some say 3 months if at all? Hoping for some positive news. I wish I hadn’t tried this drug, would have stuck to the Ajovy, but Emgality was the only free option."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 10, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "Started Emgality in August 2020, and it was a miracle. I’m greatly saddened that I will not be taking this medication anymore due to side effects. I went from 2-3 migraine attacks per week to 0. I felt as if this had given me my life back. Almost a year has passed, and still very little to no migraine attacks. Around the six-month mark, I noticed side effects of extreme joint pain and inflammation. I’m now hardly able to squat, bend at the knees, or kneel. I’m a very healthy, active 37-year-old with no prior injuries or joint issues, so I know that Emgality is the root cause. Brain fog, depression, constipation, weight gain of 15-20 pounds with no change in diet or lifestyle-these side effects are nothing compared to the pain of migraine, but the real deal breaker has been the extreme joint inflammation and pain. Emgality significantly improved my quality of life-going to talk to my doctor about Nurtec, hoping to find an alternative that’s helpful without the debilitating side effects."

• Ell...
• July 27, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I'm 31 years old and have had headaches from a very young age, tried all the pills, but nothing ever worked. In my mid-20s, I gave up all preventative meds and just used Fioricet and sumatriptan. Headaches 5/10-8/10 every day, 10/10 migraines 5-6 times a month. No life, no happiness. My husband got fed up with my depressed “persona” and sent me to another headache specialist. Started Emgality in January 2021. A week after the loading dose woke up and felt alive. LOVED IT!!! The injection burned for about 20 seconds. Weight gain 5-10 lb, no constipation, a first night after each injection I couldn’t fall asleep, so was up for 36-40 hr. Hair got thinner and hair loss increased, but nothing I couldn’t live with. In June I got my daily headaches back. Not as severe 2/10-4/10, and in July it got worse 4/10-6/10 and had 3 migraines. Will switch to Aimovig. I had the best 6 months of my life on this medication. Hope it’ll last longer for you, but even this counts for so much in my book."

• Jen...
• February 21, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I have suffered with chronic migraines for years. Tried everything this far and nothing works for me. But this Emgality injection drove me crazy. Not only did the injection hurt like anything, but I've been on this since Monday, 2/15/21, and have gained almost 7 pounds. And I had teeth pulled 2 days after, so it's not like I can eat."

• Emg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 1, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "My daughter had a first Emgality dose (2 injections the first time). For a month, no migraines, but the side effects were terrible: unexplained panic, fear, anxiety +++, weight gain."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 7, 2024

For Migraine Prevention "Fair effect. I have had weight gain and a lot of itching"