Do Emgality injections hurt?
Yes, Emgality injections may hurt. Pain at the injection site is one of the most common side effects reported with Emgality injections, and is reported in 18% of people. Other injection site reactions, such as redness, swelling, or itching around the injection site, are also common.
Some people appear to experience excessive amounts of pain with Emgality and other CGRP inhibitors, according to postings on blog sites. Comments include:
- The entire day that I know it's "shot day," I stress (Emgality)
- Emgality injections are honestly one of the most painful things I've ever felt. The nurse said it feels like a bee sting? Sure, maybe if the bee was made of lead, traveling 100mph, and PUNCHED you with its stinger. I'd rather have a migraine (Emgality)
- Administered the loading injections myself in my stomach. Very painful. Second month and third month were in the top and side of my thigh. Both just as painful, but at least they didn't bruise for a day like my stomach did. I take the injections out hours before to warm up. I purposely relax my muscles. Last time I had someone else push the injection for me (Emgality)
- I swear I'm not being a wimp about it. I've never had any problems before with flu shot, tetanus shot, drawing blood, etc. The idea of needles don't bother me. I did 3 sessions of botox without issues. It's the pain (Emgality)
- It was HORRIFICALLY painful the first 3 months I did it. Thigh, thigh, then arm, all were unreal painful... coming from the girl who falls asleep and takes naps during 6hr tattoo sessions. My neuro gave me a lidocaine ointment, which did not help one bit (Aimovig).
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How can you make Emgality injections less painful?
Helpful tips to make Emgality injections less painful include:
- Taking Emgality out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before administering, to allow it to warm up to room temperature
- Placing an ice bag on the injection site for a few minutes before administering Emgality
- Not injecting Emgality into areas of skin that are bruised, red, hard, or covered with a rash
- Administering Emgality into the butt area, high up almost to the level of the hips
- Changing the area of skin you inject Emgality into each month.
References
- Emgality (galcanezumab) Revised 12/2019 Lilly https://www.drugs.com/pro/emgality.html
- User Reviews for Emgality to treat Migraine Prevention. Migraine Prevention Support Group https://www.drugs.com/comments/galcanezumab/emgality-for-migraine-prophylaxis.html
Read next
Emgality savings card - How much can I save?
The Emgality Savings Card (Emgality coupon) helps you save money on Emgality if you have a commercial drug insurance plan. Continue reading
How long can Emgality be out of the fridge?
Emgality can be stored out of the fridge for up to 7 days for temperatures up to 30°C (86°F). Continue reading
How does Emgality work?
Emgality (galcanezumab) works by blocking the effect of a protein, called CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) which is involved in pain transmission. Emgality binds to CGRP and prevents it from interacting with the CGRP receptor. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Emgality Information for Consumers
- Emgality prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Emgality (detailed)
- Emgality user reviews (499)
Related support groups
- Emgality (24 questions, 62 members)