Galcanezumab and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Cal...
• January 9, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "This has eliminated my migraines. I have tried all kinds of different approaches over the last 25 years... this worked for me. What I don’t enjoy is the bloating in my stomach from constipation. The weight gain has been crazy. This is my third month... may have to stop if this weight gain does not stop."

• Ang...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 31, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I cannot express how much I regret taking this medication. I have suffered horrible constipation, constant bloating, and lower back pain, acne, insomnia, and noticeable weight gain. And my migraines have not gone away. I wish there was something I could do to get it out of my system quickly and go back to feeling like myself."

• Mar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 31, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I have been taking Emgality for 8 months now, and it saved my life. My migraines were so bad and came on so fast I lost my job and my way of life. Then I found Emgality, it took my migraines down to once or sometimes twice a month. I was so happy - until I started to gain weight like crazy, and 30 extra pounds later, I started getting more headaches. As far as joint pain goes, I have RA, so I have joint pain all the time, but it is possible it got worse while on Emgality. But again, Emgality saved my life!"

• STh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 26, 2019

For Cluster Headaches "I have had cluster migraines, migraines, tension headaches, and headaches before I got out of the Army, 19 years ago. I was taking Topiramate for 5 years and got off of it when I got married. The headaches came back again, and I was sent to a neurologist who put me on Emgality. Since I started this, I have been super constipated... (got excited that my work was having to remodel the employee restroom to make it wheelchair accessible, which also means they're putting in rails... cannot tell you how much they help when you're constipated!!!) I have also been having serious mood swings and some anxiety. The side effects do not outweigh the risks. I’d rather have headaches than extra weight gain."

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 4, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "After taking my initial injections, I noticed weight gain, constipation, chest pain, and body aches. Not knowing if these were caused by the Emgality, I took my second injection one month later. I immediately had a red, itchy, and painful reaction at the injection site. My body became increasingly achy over the next few days. I also had increased heart palpitations and chest pain, constipation with awful bloating around the abdomen and legs."

• Arm...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 23, 2020

For Cluster Headaches "I have been on Emgality for a year now and have had little to no change in cluster headaches. I also have had GI issues, weight gain, and muscle aches on the side of the shot. From what I have read about this drug, you need more than one shot at the onset of a cluster. I cannot possibly imagine doing up to 3 injections during the beginning of a cluster. Unfortunately, I didn’t receive very good results. Good luck and God bless."

• Zor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 1, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I am on my third month. I have 24/7 migraines. I still have them, but it has improved my bad days. I feel as though I can process thoughts a bit better. My light sensitivity has improved, sound sensitivity did not improve. But... I have severe leg cramps, anxiety is through the roof, muscle twitches, constipation, and weight gain. I go from high anxiety and can't sleep to days where I literally will fall asleep while standing. Ugh!"

• pro...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 3, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I had high hopes for Emgality. A cousin said it worked a miracle for her. For me, not so much. It reduced the number of headaches from 8-12 monthly to 5-8. However, side effects: weight gain, constipation, vertigo, tinnitus. I have ringing in my ears, and now it is far more annoying and hard to block mentally. The vertigo, I got so faint, not really dizzy, I almost passed out. I checked my blood pressure, and it has been as low as 89/40. No wonder I was lightheaded. I started taking it in May 2019. Didn't realize that my health issues of lightheadedness and faintness were related to Emgality until I read that I am not alone. The neurologist was pleased that it reduced the number of headaches. I see my internal medicine doctor this week and talk to him. Seriously considering not doing another dose."

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 22, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "Six months on Emgality and I cannot deal with the side effects my doctor claims are not caused by the injections. Yes - my migraines are significantly decreased (90% improvement). However - this med from the first week has caused the following: - severe numbness in my hands and fingers - swelling in lower legs/ankles for days after injection - accelerated heartbeat and raised blood pressure - excessive weight gain (15 pounds in 6 months) despite hard effort to lose - fatigue, uncontrollable tiredness no matter how much sleep I get - extremely painful periods returned (I had not had a period in 11 months heading into full menopause) - anxiety, depression, moodiness, loss of focus, etc. I know it is this medication. I have a life to live and will deal with the migraines."

• AWa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 10, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I started Emgality 6 months ago. Prior to that, I was having migraines with vomiting so bad that I had to go to urgent care for treatment 2-3 times a week. The stress from missing work (and not getting paid), along with the unexpected expenses for 2-3 urgent care visits a week, was adding up. Since starting Emgality, I've had less than 1 migraine a month (and none with vomiting) and none severe enough to require a trip to urgent care for further care. I have noticed some weight gain, and the injections are painful for a few seconds, but that is it. I'm very thankful that my doctor started me on this medication. I was also fortunate enough to have this drug covered by the Emgality card, so there's no out-of-pocket expense for the first 12 months."

• Jpa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 3, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Jury is still out. Started 8/1 with double dose. Horrible migraine for 2 days after. Migraines reduced from daily to just 15 days in August. Second dose 9/1. Again, horrible migraine for 2 days. Anyone else have a rough few days right after an injection? Also noticing slight weight gain."

• And...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 27, 2021

For Cluster Headaches "Horrific weight gain and thinning of hair. Went from 175 lb to 195 lb in less than 3 months. Used it for 6 months. Cluster headaches were very well managed. Was injecting sumatriptan up to 3 times a day and went to nearly zero with clusters and migraines, however, developed severe stomach bloating and weight gain. Also developed acid reflux issues that seemed to vanish after stopping Emgality. Stopped due to issues from Cigna covering Emgality regardless of prescription. Had to pre-auth coverage 2 times, and sometimes it took over a month to get pre-auth again."

• Ari...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 11, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "First dosage was a single dose and went fine, some slight pain, but overall helped a ton throughout the month and decreased my migraines. Second dose didn't help at all. Third went good, and I am on the fourth dose which is definitely doing nothing, I have seen some side effects: weight gain, loss of energy, and mood changes."

• Ric...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2021

For Cluster Headaches "I have suffered a daily headache for over 45 years before being put on Emgality. Normally they were 'background noise', a 3 out of 10, but periodically they would increase in pain until I was at a 10 out of 10 and had to take my migraine meds. Emgality stopped all of that. After a few weeks of the initial dose, I actually woke up pain-free and only had a couple of days of headaches since. So far, I have been lucky, as the only side effects I have noticed were some weight gain and the fact that this is the most painful injection I have ever taken in my life, and I have a very high tolerance for pain. To explain my rating, I would give Emgality, the drug, a 10 out of 10, but the injection system leaves much to be desired, a 3 out of 10 because it does work, but it must have been tested on elephants and rhinos or something. I will keep taking the meds for now, but the anxiety of actually taking the injection may make me reconsider in the future."

• 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."

• Ann...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 25, 2022

For Cluster Headaches "I’ve been on Emgality for 3 years now. It took about a month to get working, but for the first time in a decade, I wasn’t having a cluster three times a day. After about 6 months, especially when I went up to the efficacy for cluster headache 3 sub Q dose, I started noticing pretty significant edema and an uptick in weight gain. Also, muscle cramps that could be bad. I was at 125 lb and now I am at 150 pounds! I’m chubby, but not at least crying in as much pain all the time. I didn’t change my habits or exercises… it is Emgality related."

• Hea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 26, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I’m so regretting not researching Emgality before using it. This thread is making me realize my symptoms the past month are not uncommon. I took the first dose in March 2021 after spotty success with Aimovig after 10 months of use. In the past three weeks, I’ve experienced bouts of sadness and depression, extreme fatigue, hot flashes, sore throat, ringing in my ear, GI issues, and weight gain. I have been headache-free, but these side effects are awful and NOT worth it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 20, 2023

For Cluster Headaches "I have been taking Emgality for approximately 7-8 months. In the first three months of taking it, I noticed significant weight gain, and I feel bloated. I did not change my diet or take any other medications during that time, and I am generally active. Prior to taking Emgality, my weight was around 135 pounds, and now it's around 155 pounds. Although Emgality has helped with my migraines, I am hesitant to continue taking it due to the weight gain. There are other medications available that may not cause weight gain. I decided to stop taking Emgality last Friday. I am curious about how long it will take for the medication to leave my system and for my weight to return to normal. While some people may prefer to deal with extra weight rather than migraines, I prefer to try a different medication that will not cause weight gain. There are many medications on the market, and I believe it's important to find one that works well for your body."

• Sar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 20, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "Stopping Emgality after 2 years, I have gained 25 lbs since and cannot lose it. I've been on so many diets, even keto, and can't lose. I have severe bloating that is sometimes painful. My gastrointestinal tract is completely out of whack, I have muscle spasms, even in my eardrums, and I still get occasional headaches... no energy, feeling tired all the time... just not worth the side effects..."

• Dap...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 2, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "I was given 2 initial shots, one in each arm, with no initial reaction the day of injections. I didn't have a migraine for 3 weeks, which was awesome. But the day after the injections, my whole body began to stiffen up-legs, arms, hands, feet, and neck... this has been going on for a month now! My neurologist did not believe me. I've reported it to both my neurologist and MD so far. I'm also experiencing tenderness in my breasts and numbness and tingling in my hands and feet. I take probiotics, so it's probably preventing the stomach issues I've seen others complaining about. Although I have been extremely hungry and have definitely gained weight from it and bloated. Needless to say, I will never take this medication again, no matter how well it helped the migraines! 9 out of 10 for pain relief. 0 out of 10 for ruining the rest of my body!"

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 14, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I was experiencing 15-25 paralyzing migraines a month. After starting Emgality, I immediately saw a change. I average 1-5 migraines a month with decreased intensity than I felt prior to taking the medication. However, I wasn’t aware of the weight gain side effect. I’ve gained 15 lbs in 3 months. I decided weight gain is worth it to prevent the pain I was experiencing prior to the Emgality. I’ve been on almost every migraine medication, and nothing has worked this well. So it’s time for me to focus on exercise and food consumption!"

• Cel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 8, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "Within days of my first 2 injections, I became bloated and severely constipated. I started on laxatives, and after 9 days, I finally had some relief. It's been 2 weeks today, and I'm still bloated and constipated. I also feel depressed and out of sorts. I'm tired as well. I will not be taking the next injection. This drug has a half-life of 27 days, so it takes months to get out of your system. I also feel like I have gained a few pounds. I have not weighed myself, but my clothes are tight. I'm so disappointed I took this medication."

• Jes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 1, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "Waited for a month to post my results. I suffer from severe migraines, Emgality has worked wonders! Went from 4 migraines a month and about 20 headaches a month to not a single headache or migraine for the entire month! However, the day after I received the first initial double dose, I woke up with vertigo. That was 31 days ago, and to this day, I am still having vertigo. I can't bend over, I can't turn to a different side while lying in bed, I can't get up too fast, I can't turn fast, nothing! It's been pretty sucky, but at least I haven't had any migraines. I decided not to do the shot again because I'm terrified the vertigo will hit while I'm driving, so now we're trying Nurtec. I just hope the Emgality leaves my system soon! I've read where someone else had vertigo as a side effect, and it lasted them 84 days! I've also gained 7 lbs and am way more tired this month than ever!"

• EDC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 21, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I have been on Emgality for 3 months, and my daily migraines went away, with the exception of 4 during this time period. I was put on Emgality after most medications did not work, or I experienced unbearable side effects. Here’s the problem... I am experiencing the absolute worst side effects from Emgality. They are as follows: excessive weight gain (22 lbs), bloating, swollen feet, lips and hands, stomach pain, hot flashes, anxiety, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, stuffy nose, vision changes, hot flashes, joint pain, and itchy skin. These all developed during the course of 3 months. Regarding the weight gain, it is in my abdomen and butt. I feel terrible, like I’m one big hormone. My Dr. assured me Emgality has no side effects, and I may be having a rare reaction. I have to wait 5 months to be out of my system. Back to square one. I would run from Emgality. I feel like I’ve been poisoned!"

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

For Migraine Prevention "I did my loading dose, then the third injection. At first, I just noticed constipation and weight gain. About a week after my third injection, my vision became blurred on my way to work. I’m an ICU nurse, so I went into work and realized vision wasn’t improving. The neuro PA’s told me to go to the ER. In the ED, they noticed right pupil changes, right-sided weakness, and worked me up for a stroke, which was negative. I got a pretty bad headache that night in the hospital. The next day, I started having trouble getting words out, memory problems, and concentration difficulties. Currently in OT for vision changes and concentration. The doctor said he doesn’t think it’s Emgality, but I reported it to the FDA. I’ve never commented on these sites but felt it necessary in case anyone can relate. My symptoms are slowly going away, it’s been 2 months since my last injection."