My First Month on Emgality

By Lisa Robin Benson

In the video below, one of our contributors talks about her first month taking the new migraine preventive medication Emgality. Watch below to hear about her experience!

If you are taking, have taken, or considering taking Emgality, we'd love to hear from you. We have an entire forum dedicated to Emgality here. You can also post in the comments below!

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juliettehoc
I am 73 and have had migraines since my 20s. The last 10 years they were daily or near daily. Name it, I have tried it - every drug and procedure. I started Emgality in August, 2019 and it has been a game changer for me. My migraines that cause me the most pain come in early morning before I wake up, some due to severe neck pain. Since my first dose of Emgality, I have gone from daily headaches to maybe 4-5 a month. And they have not been too awful, because I catch them with Maxalt - which works very well for me. I have had no side effects, other than that initial fear of stabbing my thigh with a needle! But I got over that. I did watch several YouTube videos of other users of Emgality and some other injectibles. Overall, I am EXTREMELY pleased.
1. Peggy Artman Moderator
 <inline-mention user-id="3771409" username="juliettehoc"/> , This is awesome news that you are having success with Emgality. I hope this continues for you! ~ Peggy (Migraine.com team)
2. delawarekathy
 Interesting that you are 73 still having migraines. I am 68 with lifelong migraines & neck pain. My neurologist said he doesn't have other migraine patients my age, because migraines usually resolve with age. I've recently gotten total migraine relief with Fluoroscopic Injections in my neck, but the relief only lasts 2 months and you can only get 4 injections per year.
aderose57
Background: 62 yo long-time migraine sufferer... 40+ yrs. Tried most everything. Can't tolerate triptans, so anti-nausea and pain killers are my rescue meds. Been on a low dose beta blocker or calcium channel blocker as a preventative for 23 years. Added a sleep aid 5 years ago, as my neurologist thought post menopausal women have sleep disruption and it could be a trigger. This did help. He suggested a CGPR in January 2019 and I chose Emgality because of the possibly fewer side effects and the self injection method. Loading dose February 15, 2019 Update: The Emgality seems to be working with little to no side effects. I have noticed a significant decrease in headache days as well as a decreased intensity in the pain. I have noticed increased indigestion, but that could be the additional calcium I am taking. I will pay close attention now that I have read more about possible side effects. I tapered off of the verapamil (CCB) in September. So far, so good. We will look at tapering off of the sleep aid after the new year. I also take an antidepressant, Prozac. I will remain on that for the time being. I have not seen any weight gain, however, I did start a weight management program (NOOM) in June. This was in anticipation of my son's wedding and I wanted to shed around 10 pounds. I did lose those 10 pounds with relative ease. So I don't think weight gain was a side effect for me. My neurologist wants me to remain on Emgality for two years, with the intention of tapering off gradually. I should know after March what my co-pay is, as I have been one of the lucky to use it at no cost to me for a year. Also, I am 2.5 years away from medicare, and I have to find out what I can now regarding coverage when that time comes. I was told by my neurologist that Emgality can sit at room temp for quite a while beyond the hour or so I was initially told. The longer it's out, the less the pain from injection. And I have found that putting direct pressure on the injection site helps with bruising and residual pain. I am remaining optimistic for the future with this medication.
1. Peggy Artman Moderator
 @aderose, Not everyone taking Emgality has reported weight gain. Each person seems to respond differently to the medication. It seems like you are having better migraine management with Emgality. This is wonderful and I wish you the best of luck! ~ Peggy (Migraine.com team)
gailmuzz
I started Emgality one year ago today! I have had one migraine that took my abortive for. I have had maybe three others that I took a Tylenol! I have had 10-20 migraines a month over 30 years! It has been a life changing miracle! I don’t mind the injection at all!
1. Peggy Artman Moderator
 <inline-mention user-id="3686547" username="gail"/> , Your response to Emgality is amazing! Thanks for sharing your good news with us. ~ Peggy (<a href='http://Migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>Migraine.com</a>)
warriorwoman
I have not tried it yet. I have severe fibromyalgia and have read it can exerbate the symptoms and fibro pain. Otherwise I might be willing to go to a neurologist to take this medicine. The other is the $ 200. 00 out of pocket. Medicare Advantage does not qualify me for the coupons. I live alone so I care for my own bills. One neurologist told me I need to win the lottery or marry a rich man. After 4 visits, I stopped going to him. I was tired of him waving it like a carrot in front of a horse. My insurance company and pain management said no one has to be treated this way. I agree.
1. Peggy Artman Moderator
 <inline-mention user-id="3807369" username="warriorwoman"/> , I have not heard that Emgality can make Fibromyalgia worse. Your doctor certainly sounds insensitive. I hope you can find a new doctor that has some fresh ideas for you. Here is a link to a website that can help you find a doctor. ~ Peggy (Migraine.com team) <a href='https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/find-a-doctor/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/find-a-doctor/</a>
2. warriorwoman
 Thank you for your information. My PCP found me a new Neurologist. I wanted feedback before I used the medication. I appreciate your time.
potteryvirge
I have had migraines all of my life; even as a child. On average, I have 6 migraines a month. I started taking Emgality on Aug. 19, 2019. As of Dec. 4, 2019 I have had a total of 3 migraines. One each in Oct., Nov & Dec. None of the migraines have been as severe as those before Emgality. This is a game changer for me. I hope others have the same wonderful results that I have had.
1. tigeraunt
 I am right there with you. I hope this keeps up for me
2. April.Sluder Moderator
 Thanks for sharing your experience <inline-mention user-id="3825872" username="sharon"/> . I hope you continue to get relief with Emgality. April - <a href='http://Migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>Migraine.com</a> Team
tigeraunt
I have suffered with migraines since I was 18 years old. I am now 53. I typically have a migraine about 12-15 times a month. At my last physical, in September, my PCP suggested I start Emgality injections. I started with the loading dose on September 4th, and have had injections in October and November. So far, I have only had 1 migraine that required Maxalt. I continue to have headaches periodically, but nothing like I used to have.
1. April.Sluder Moderator
 I hope you continue to have positive results <inline-mention user-id="3905125" username="tigeraunt"/> . Please keep us updated. April - <a href='http://Migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>Migraine.com</a> Team
kaykaye
I am 58. I’ve had migraines since my teens. The last several years I’ve had 12-15 a month. I have tried several treatments, including Botox, massage, Triptans, preventative prescription drugs, non prescription alternatives. In June I started on Emigality. I still get a few a month, but it has been a game changer. The only side effect has been redness and swelling (No pain) for a few days at the site injection the last couple of shots. I hope that that’s all that happens because it truly has been life altering. I do get some mild headaches that go away on their own or with Advil occasionally. So I get over confident that I’m not having them and then make the mistake of not realizing I have a migraine and so I don’t take my Zomig as early as I should to get rid of it.
1. April.Sluder Moderator
 That's so great that you're getting relief using it <inline-mention user-id="3792372" username="kaykaye"/> . I hope you continue getting positive results. April - <a href='http://Migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>Migraine.com</a> Team
tammygregory
I am a 54 y/o post-menopausal female. I had my first migraine at age 17. I've tried every migraine remedy to hit the market. I've tried multiple prescription and nonprescription drugs. I've had acupuncture, massage therapy and I've sang with goats while standing on my head (just kidding)... I used Fioricet 3 until I felt like a criminal asking for a script (plus I had medication overuse headaches which can be as bad as the original migraine). Nothing worked! I felt like I would just have to deal with migraines for the rest of my life. Crazy enough, it was my new PCP who recommended Emgality. (Not a neurologist). I was skeptical but figured I might as well try it since it was it was a new class of drug and I'd tried everything else. I've been on Emgality for 12 months. This drug has been a game changer- seriously. So far I have not had any side effects (except pain at the injection site- ouch). The 9th month's injection was delayed because I had issues transferring the manufacturers prescription card and I could tell the difference. I recently relocated to a different state and my new provider hadn't heard of Emgality so I gave him some literature and he gave me a a new prescription (now cross your fingers I can get my insurance to cover it)
1. April.Sluder Moderator
 Thanks for sharing @Jovial Tam. I hope you are able to get your prescription and I'm wishing you lots of pain-free days. April - <a href='http://Migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>Migraine.com</a> Team
yahcqa
Age 49, migraines my entire life, 15+ per month. I have been getting Botox for over a year which has helped significantly, but insurance causes huge issues every time (major stress), plus I think the injections are losing their power. The migraines have been ramping up again. So my doc suggested trying Emgality. Picked up my loading dose last week. I'm glad he warned me that some people find the injection painful! Holy moly! Next time I'll be careful about where I inject on my thigh. And reading above that leaving it out to warm up for awhile is helpful too. Have a migraine warming up right now inside my skull, so it's not going to knock them out completely, but if I can get them down significantly I'll be happy!
1. yahcqa
 Welp, went back to Botox after trying Emgality for 3 months. It actually made my migraines worse! Botox is the only preventative that seems to work for me - and I still get 5-6 migraines per month. But better than the 12-15 I was having pre-treatment.
2. MelanieM Admin
 RRmother, sorry to hear that Emgality did not work out for you. I hope you feel relief from the Botox quickly, it sounds like maybe you already are experiencing some relief from Botox again, is that right? ~Melanie (Migraine.com team member)
upstatestevie
I've just had my 3rd dose of Emgality. After 20+ years of headaches and 10+ years as chronic migraine, I had just about given up. Emgality has given my life back to me! I still have bad times and lost days, but the pain is much less, the duration is much less and the frequency is much less. I would recommend Emgality for sure. However... 1) I'm switching insurance in order to have the cost covered at least partially (currently over $600/month). 2) The injection does feel like a bad bee sting and always bleeds a little but that goes away within a few minutes. 3) I always get 'the flu' right after the injection. It goes away after a few hours, but from now on, I'm going to take the injection at night and go straight to bed, hoping I wake up ok.
1. Allyson.Ellis Admin
 I am so glad Emgality is offering you such meaningful relief for your migraine symptoms, UpstateStevie! I hear what joy you feel in the reduction of your migraine days. Please keep us posted on how you respond to moving the timing of your dose and if you are able to mostly sleep through the "flu like" symptoms you experience from the injection. Thank you for joining the conversation. Wishing you a gentle day. ~Allyson (Migraine.com team)
gailkirkwood
Emgality works better than Aimovig, which did not help at all, or Ajovy which was excellent but caused itching. Injection in stomach area less painful than using thigh. Amazing improvement in quality of life after lifetime of chronic migraines. Still need triptans sometimes but severity and duration of disability drastically improved. From being disabled to some extent due to migraine about 40% of time, now have few days each month in which I am down couple of hours, if that.
1. MelanieM Admin
 <inline-mention user-id="3742801" username="gailkirkwood" class="bp-suggestions-mention"/> I am so glad to hear that Emgality is working so well for you and has improved your quality of life. Thanks for sharing! I am especially glad to hear your thoughts since you experienced all 3 (Aimovig, Ajovy & Emgality). ~Melanie Merritt (Migraine.com team member)
parker63
I've just recently been prescribed Emgality by my new neurologist. Received first dose right there in office. I have had chronic migraine since 11, now 56. I too have been or tried everything on and off market. Tried one therapy after another with nothing, except worst migraine. Plus the nausea is the worst for me, still daily but not as strong or bad. Now, I'm feeling different, awakening. Last month only 5 major attacks, with only 20 days downtime! I can actually play and walk my service dog, and enjoy her more. But have to wait and see...
1. April.Sluder Moderator
 It's great that you've been seeing improvement. We hope to hear more positive news in the future. Thanks for sharing <inline-mention user-id="3864559" username="parker63"/> . April - <a href='http://Migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>Migraine.com</a> Team