Ubrelvy vs Emgality: How do they compare for migraines?
Ubrelvy and Emgality are both migraine medications that are called Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) inhibitors.
They differ in that Ubrelvy (ubrogepant) treats a migraine when you have one, where Emgality (galcanezumab) is used to prevent migraines.
Ubrelvy is a short acting tablet you take when you have a migraine, whereas Emgality is a long acting injection given monthly.
Ubrelvy is:
- used to treat acute migraine
- tablet you take orally (swallow with a drink)
- take 1 tablet, when you have a migraine and another dose may be taken in 2 hours if required, under certain circumstances
- short acting (last just over a day)
- small-molecule CGRP antagonist
Emgality is:
- used for prevention of migraines
- a subcutaneous injection
- given as a loading dose, then monthly
- long acting (last for a month)
- binds to the CGRP ligand, which stops the ligand binding to the CGRP receptor
Bottom line:
- Ubrelvy and Emgality are both migraine medications, but work quite differently.
- Ubrelvy is a short acting tablet that you take when you have a migraine.
- Emgality is a monthly injection you have to prevent migraines.
References
Emgaility medication information: www.drugs.com/emgality.html
Ubrelvy medication information: www.drugs.com/ubrelvy.html
Read next
Does Emgality cause weight gain?
Weight gain is not listed as a side effect in the product information for Emgality (galcanezumab) and phase 3 studies reported that there was no difference in the amount of weight gained between people taking Emgality and those assigned placebo (an inactive treatment). Anecdotally, however, some people have reported gaining weight. Continue reading
How long does it take for Emgality to work?
When Emgality (galcanezumab) is administered to prevent migraine, it starts working within one month of initiation, but it may take up to five or six months for the full effects of Emgality to be seen. When Emgality is administered for the treatment of cluster headache, it starts working within one week of starting treatment, but it may take up to three weeks for the full effects to be seen. Continue reading
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, with 18% of people experiencing it. Some people also experience excessive amounts of pain with Emgality with comments on blog sites stating "It was one of the most painful things I've ever felt" and "Thigh, thigh, then arm, all were unreal painful....coming from the girl who falls asleep and takes naps during 6hr tattoo sessions". Continue reading
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