Galcanezumab for Migraine Prevention User Reviews (Page 4)

• Hank
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 10, 2020

Emgality (galcanezumab) "Worst medication ever for me.. Horrible side effects. Dizzy constipation horrid dreams terrible nausea. Please avoid if possible obviously everybody is not the same. Worse than the medical problem for me."

• Doe
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 27, 2020

Emgality (galcanezumab) "One year on single dose, except initial double dose. One month on double dose. Emgality reduced my migraines from 15/month to 5/month. I knew Emgality was a brand new drug when I started it. NP at neurologist’s office told me there were no side effects. It hadn’t been on the market long enough to prove that was just plain wrong. For me they came on gradually: constipation, dizziness/clumsiness, and most troubling, memory loss. example is stopping in the middle of a sentence because I can’t find a word I’ve known for years. Last month, the migraines started coming back, very mild, disappeared after about ½ hour. I was placed on the double dosing, and the side effects I’ve reported are escalating. I plan to stop the double-dosing and to keep a detailed journal. I’ll let them know at the Neurologist’s office. I dread the thought of stopping Emgality altogether, with a return of 15 days of misery each month."

• CQO
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 11, 2020

Emgality (galcanezumab) "I have had migraines since I was 5 years old, and the older I'm getting they seem to be getting worst, I get them almost everyday! I have been on Emgality for about 7-8 months now. I have not had any side effects at all. The first 5 months were amazing I was only getting about 3 migraines a month. But these last few months they have slowly been coming back as if the medications is no longer working, I think my body has come immune to it."

• Amber
• August 16, 2020

Emgality (galcanezumab) "I can see this medication doesn't work for everyone based on the reviews below. For me, this medication was a straight up miracle, I have my life back. I have been on emgality for 9 months now. I went from 20-25 migraines a month, with a reduction to 10-15 when I was on botox, and now with emgality, I maybe have 1-3 headache/migraine days a month. After trying almost everything, this is the only thing that has worked. I definitely have some tingling in my hands and feet sometimes, but it's minor. And all benefits outweigh risk for me. So happy this came into my life. I think for those who it doesn't work with, it may be that their migraines are from a different cause. I feel like I did gain a little bit of weight, but I switched to a plant based whole foods diet and lost weight and don't have constipation issues or weight gain issues anymore. The pain of the needle is worth the migraine free life."

• Jason
• September 30, 2019

Emgality (galcanezumab) "I took my loading dose of Emgality a few days ago (two shots). I've been hesitant to start because of the negative reactions I've read on sites like this one. The injections were not painful or scary at all. It felt no worse than a flu shot. I just let my medication sit out for an hour before administering to let it get to room temperature. No site reaction or swelling either. No massive same day or multiday reactionary headaches like others have described. I have had a few minor head throbs but no full blown migraines yet (hopefully that keeps up). No constipation yet either. My only side effect thus far is that I feel a bit more tired than usual. I just wanted to post this to help others out there who are terrified of even trying the medication due to all the negative reviews. I don't know if mine is helping because it is so early to tell but I am still more than functional enough to continue to and the shots didn't hurt as much as others on here are making them out to be."

• Jess
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 25, 2019

Emgality (galcanezumab) "I received the emagality injection dosing in August 2019 . It really helped with the migraines but now I am still suffering bad side effects of red raises skin rashes , red bruises like marks , elevated b/p, heart palpitations, burning hot on palms and feet’s, pain on joints and fingers, and had constipation few days, night sweats, red itching rashes on chest It says take 5 half months for meds to be out of the system. And it’s almost 5 months And hoping it will go away . My neurologist told me there’s no side effects besides redness or sore on injection sites. She basically lied or didn’t do a research before giving to me."

• Shghmh
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 29, 2019

Emgality (galcanezumab) "I started it on July 18 and have had 2 doses. Wish I would’ve researched before I decided to let them give me the shots. My anxiety has gone crazy enough to make go on an anti depressant, Xanax when needed, horrible stomach pain, high sensitivity to lights and sounds. Have not had a migraine since, but to me it’s not worth continuing for all the side effects. The NP tried showing me there are no side effects. I don’t think it’s been out long enough or researched enough to say it doesn’t. I’ve never felt so bad! Wish there was a reversal agent to get it out."

• Rainy...
• September 21, 2020

Emgality (galcanezumab) "I have chronic, debilitating migraines, 15-19 per month on average. I utilized the Emgality injectable on 9.2.20. I battle dizziness, nausea, aversion to sound, etc. Certainly, I can only speak to my experiences, and I am not advocating for or campaigning against any particular treatment. This said, I will never, ever inject Emgality again. The side effects- lingering constipation, difficulty breathing, eyesight and hearing have gone a bit haywire, nausea, red and itchy face, neck and chest- are brutal, and NOT worth it. With the exception of nausea. I have been fortunate not to have any previous issues with the other side effects mentioned above, and can think of nothing else (no new meds, lifestyle or environmental changes) to attribute these symptoms to. My headaches have not lessened in frequency or strength. Additionally, I find that, thus far, Imitrex does not work as effectively. I hope this development reverses itself."

• Izzy
• July 4, 2021

Emgality (galcanezumab) "I’ve tried so many prescriptions. My body adapted to them & I would still get migraines. Once I prioritized a healthy life style, going to the gym & a balanced diet the frequency of my migraines drastically dwindled to only about 3/month rather than 2-3 a week spanning from 24-72 hours straight. But when I got them they would still last long & the meds didn’t help. The neurologist prescribed me Emgality. I’m 3 months in & this is the longest I’ve gone without a migraine in my life. I haven't experienced 1 migraine. I’m a healthy 24 year old who exercises regularly & eats pretty clean which is such an underrated addition to migraine prevention. Do I think Emgality would’ve worked as well the years I was eating bad & never getting exercise? NO. I have not gained weight on Emgality, I’m still losing weight. Meds should not be the ONLY thing you rely on for your migraines, you have to WORK WITH your meds & prioritize your health especially when you have chronic pain/illness!"

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

Emgality (galcanezumab) "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."

• Kestrel
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 14, 2020

Emgality (galcanezumab) "I’ve been on this for 5 or 6 months and I’ve had zero migraines right from the first dosing!!!! So happy to lead a normal life again. Side effects were only tinnitus from the beginning and some constipation issues, but no big deal. In November, I started having pain and swelling in both knees. X-rays show no bone issues, so I’m scheduled for a MRI on my knees next week. After reading about some experiencing joint pain, now it’s making me wonder if it is a side effect of the medication. I’m hoping there is no connection because the medication is working 100% when nothing else I’ve tried has helped at all. Plus all of the other medications had bad side effects and didn’t help me."

• Jessica
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 12, 2019

Emgality (galcanezumab) "As a lot of other people on here have noted I took an Emgality shot on August 1st and the second one on September 1st. I have had terrible side effects. Back pain, bloating, heart racing, insomnia and extreme anxiety. I have chosen to stop treatment. I am wondering can someone comment how long it took for the side effects to go away. It is October 11th and I am still experiencing some of these side effects. Although I feel some of them are getting better. I am looking for hope that this nightmare is almost over."

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

Emgality (galcanezumab) "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 their malady. I wish you luck and hope you find what works for you."

• Sassy...
• September 4, 2019

Emgality (galcanezumab) "I would recommend people do research before going on any new medication - including the new injectable preventatives. I was desperate and agreed to do the Emgality injection with Botox without researching anything, as the doctor was being pushy about it happening that day right then. I was on this approximately 8 months and from the very start had increased anxiety and depression (was put on meds and couldn't leave my house due to the anxiety), migraines increased as did the severity of them to the point where I couldn't go to work, I ended up in the ER multiple times with mini strokes (please keep in mind I am in my mid 20's), I already have chronic constipation but this medication would make me go 4-6 weeks without a bowel movement. I paid completely out of pocket each month for this medicine ($780 every month) hoping it would help and it only made everything worse. Not everyone is the same and if it works well for someone else I am happy for you! Unfortunately it did not work for me at all."

• Shghmh
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 13, 2019

Emgality (galcanezumab) "I started my loading dose of Emgality in July, 2nd dose in Aug. Have had no migraines since but many unexplained side effects that the doctor who pushed it stressed there are none. Have had horrible anxiety, insomnia, stomach problems, pain in middle back, sinus drainage, sensitivity to lights, sounds and smells. Been to numerous doctors and had numerous tests but no answers. I should’ve done my research before letting him talk me into taking it since I’m sensitive to meds anyways."

• Laure...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 27, 2019

Emgality (galcanezumab) "I took my first dosing of Emgality about 3 weeks ago. Since then I have noticed an improvement in my migraines. However, since then I have became extremely depressed. I have never had such dark thoughts etc until now. At first I couldn't figure out what triggered it but now the timeline matches perfectly with when I received this drug."

• Aano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2020

Emgality (galcanezumab) "Long history (7+ years) of vestibular migraine & Meniere's followed by 6 months of traditional (headache) migraine. After several oral preventatives failed (either ineffective or bad side effects), tried 2 months of Emgality. At first it was amazing, went from 3-4 bad migraines a week to 1 or 2 the whole month, and those were much less severe. After the second dose though, my ears went haywire and the dizziness is through the roof. Also experiencing extreme sadness for several days after injection, and trouble with body not regulating temperature. Hot all the time. Unfortunately must discontinue as the dizziness is not sustainable."

• Chatty
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 6, 2021

Emgality (galcanezumab) "I’ve been using Emgality 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, short of breath, sore throat, always hot, 10# weight gain, extreme insomnia and panic attacks, tinnitus, balance issues and some break through 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."

• DJano
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 28, 2020

Emgality (galcanezumab) "I am now on my 6 th month of Emgality. I do take a daily preventive (well over a year) as well. One major thing I've noticed is severe leg and foot cramps. Standing or walking doesn't relieve them. Even though I've had improvement in comparison to the Botox (average of 23.34 migraines a month with Botox to 19.6 with Emgality), I think I will go back to the Botox due to these cramps. My primary care physician has ruled out any kind of vascular disorder and blood work doesn't show I'm deficient in anything that might be causing the cramps. My anxiety is also worse. I wake up at night with severe heart palpitations like a full-blown panic attack. I'm so happy to see individuals that have reported positive results with no side effects. I just don't believe I'm one of them."

• Disap...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 27, 2019

Emgality (galcanezumab) "I took my first dose of Emgality almost three weeks ago and have been miserable since day 5. Have experienced daily headaches, nausea, some days with diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, and constant stomach upset. My stomach burns all the time and have pain on upper left side of abdomen. I was really hoping this would work for me since so many oral medications have not. Can't wait for this to be out of my system so I can go back to just dealing with migraines and not all these other horrible side effects. The preventatives I'm currently taking were working better without Emgality. Was just hoping to not have to keep taking those because of the bad long term effects. Have to keep trying to find something that will work and glad that it does work for those of you that it is helping."

• Saints...
• July 15, 2019

Emgality (galcanezumab) "Worst medicine ever. This injection has made my migraines worse. It has given me serious heart palpitations and only increased my migraines even more. This medicine has really ruined my life and I will be pleased when it is out of my system"

• NDano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 20, 2019

Emgality (galcanezumab) "Life changing! I have suffered from migraines since 12 years old, now 45 and they have been terrible. I ended up in the ER in August. I cried to my neurologist that I couldn’t take it anymore. I have a husband, 2 kids and a job and I was so sick of feeling like garbage everyday. She gave me my loading doses that day and two shots to take home. I am on the 2nd month and I can’t tell you how awesome I feel!! Everyone around me is noticing how I don’t complain of migraines anymore. I get slight headaches but not bad at all. I feel like I have my life back!!"

• Patty
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2020

Emgality (galcanezumab) "I had a terrible experience with Emgality . The first month was good lowered my migraines and few side effects. Second month was horrific! Right after second dose (1/2 hour) it was like a wave of pain overcame me. I had a 8 day migraine with high pain throughout. Then other side effects kicked in like stomach aches and nausea, shooting burning pain throughout my body. A confused & fatigued state, I had to deal with for approximately a month. I will not do the injections again."

• Steph...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 25, 2020

Emgality (galcanezumab) "I have migraine induced seizures that begin with aura vision. I did not read the reviews prior to taking the dual injections. When the injections happened, it felt like hot lava going into my veins for a good 30 minutes. My doctor stated that the ONLY side effect was possible constipation and that the injections might be a little uncomfortable. I have had itchy skin, my fingers swelled up that I could not wear my ring, abdominal pain along with kidney pain, I thought I had a UTI, I had hot flashes (I made it through menopause without hot flashes), nausea, extremely tired, and the panic attacks were out of this world. I will say though, I have not had one migraine since taking the two injections. However, the side effects outweigh the migraines though. I did not take a second round of injections and had my first migraine within 5 days without an injection. You have to weigh your options."

• Missy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 23, 2021

Emgality (galcanezumab) "This medication has been an absolute nightmare for me. The day after my second dose I started experiencing severe nausea, dizziness, joint pain, depression, ears ringing, teeth pain, intense-worst migraine I have ever had, and really bad insomnia. I have been in the ER 5 times and urgent care twice. I’m 31 days past due date for my second dose (did not take again) and I’m just now able to get out of my bed. I am still very nauseous, bad migraine, ears ringing, extremely depressed, and the insomnia is SO hard to deal with. I’m averaging 1-2 hours a night but very broken up. I’m a stay at home mom to two boys ages three and one and this has been impossible to care for them. I just want this nightmare to end."