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Emgality

Also called galcanezumab

Key points about Emgality

Emgality is a medicine used to prevent migraine attacks.
Emgality is an injection used once a month.
Find out how to use it safely and possible side effects.

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Emgality belongs to a group of medicines called humanised monoclonal antibodies. Emgality works by sticking to a protein in your body which causes symptoms of a migraine attack, such as pain and inflammation. By sticking to this protein, it blocks how the protein works in your body. This medicine won't cure migraine disease, only prevent migraine attacks happening if you use it regularly.

Read more about migraine disease and migraine medicines.

Always use Emgality exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to use, how often to use it and any special instructions. Here is some guidance.

In Aotearoa New Zealand Emgality is a subcutaneous injection (injected under the skin) and it comes as a 120mg single-use pen. Each pen contains 1 dose that is used only once for 1 injection. The pen or syringe is ready to use which means it's pre-filled with the medicine, and the needle is already fitted. You don't need to measure or mix anything or directly handle a needle.

The first dose is 240 mg so you will need to use two 120 mg pens or syringes, one after the other, into different sites on your body. Your healthcare provider may be able to do this for you.
After the first dose, you will use a 120 mg dose (1 injection) every 4 weeks (28 days).

Emgality is an injection given under the skin (known as a subcutaneous injection).
It can be injected into your abdomen (tummy), thigh, back of the upper arm or buttocks (bottom).
You need to talk to your doctor about whether you will inject the medicine yourself, or if a healthcare provider will do this for you.
You need to be trained to give yourself the injection by your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Emgality is most effective if you use it at the same time every month, so set a reminder or mark the day in your calendar.
If you forget a dose, inject the missed dose as soon as you remember. Your next dose will be due 4 weeks (28 days) from the date you last injected.

The image below shows the places on your body where subcutaneous injections can be given.

Image credit: Depositphotos

Before opening

Store Emgality in the fridge, in the original package. Don't freeze it.

During use

You can keep Emgality out of the fridge for up to 7 days (below 30°C). Once Emgality is stored out of the fridge, don't put it back in the fridge.

Take the pen out of the fridge 30 minutes before you inject it.
Don't shake the pen, and keep it away from direct sunlight.
Don't use Emgality if it looks cloudy or the pen looks damaged.

Cost

This medicine isn't subsidised, which means you’ll have to pay for it. Ask your healthcare provider how much it will cost before you start treatment.

Things to know when using Emgality

Here are some things to know when you're using Emgality. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

If you become pregnant or are breastfeeding talk to your doctor immediately.
Don't give Emgality to anyone else, even if they also have migraine disease.
Don't throw used pens in the normal household rubbish. Talk to your pharmacist about how to dispose of the pens.

Like all medicines, Emgality can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Side effects	What should I do?
Pain, discomfort redness, itching or swelling at the injection site	This usually settles within a few days. Tell your doctor if this doesn’t settle.
Vertigo (a feeling of dizziness or ‘spinning’)	This usually settles within a few days. Tell your doctor if this bothers you.
Constipation	Eat plenty of fibre and drink plenty of water. Tell your doctor if this bothers you.
Signs of an allergic reaction, eg, skin rash, itching, swelling of your lips, face and mouth, or difficulty breathing.	Tell your doctor immediately or phone Healthline free on 0800 611 116.