Emgality

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 that comes as a 120mg single-use pen. Each pen contains one 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 240mg so you will need to use two 120mg 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 120mg 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 in your abdomen (tummy), thigh, back of the upper arm or buttocks (bottom).
• You need to talk with your doctor to decide if 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.
• Missed dose: 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.

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 consider when taking it

• If you become pregnant or are breastfeeding talk to your doctor immediately.
• Do not give Emgality to anyone else even if they also have migraines.
• Do not 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.

Did you know that you can report a medicine side effect to CARM (Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring)? Report a side effect to a product.(external link)