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Compare Aimovig vs. Emgality

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Aimovig (erenumab) and Emgality (galcanezumab) are both medications used to prevent migraines, but they have some differences. Aimovig (erenumab) is a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist, while Emgality (galcanezumab) is a monoclonal antibody that blocks CGRP, a protein involved with migraine pain. Both are currently available only as brand-name medications that can be injected at home. Aimovig is injected once a month, and the typical dose is 70 mg, which can be increased to 140 mg. Emgality, on the other hand, starts with a 240 mg dose (two injections of 120 mg each) and then continues with 120 mg monthly. Emgality is also approved to treat episodic cluster headaches, while Aimovig is not. Common side effects for Aimovig include injection site reactions and constipation, whereas Emgality can cause injection site reactions, sore throat, and back pain. Both medications require proper training for self-injection and have specific storage instructions.

  • Aimovig (erenumab)
    Emgality (galcanezumab)
  • Aimovig (erenumab)
    Emgality (galcanezumab)

  • Summary of Aimovig vs. Emgality

    Summary for CGRP antagonist
    Prescription only

    Aimovig (erenumab or erenumab-aooe) is a migraine medication called a CGRP antagonist. It helps prevent migraines in adults. Aimovig (erenumab) comes as an autoinjector and prefilled syringe. You inject each dose under the skin in the thigh or stomach once a month. Side effects can include pain, swelling, or redness where you injected the medication.

    Summary for CGRP antagonist
    Prescription only

    Emgality (galcanezumab or galcanezumab-gnlm) is an injectable medication that can help prevent migraine attacks in adults. It can also help treat cluster headaches in adults. This medication is a monoclonal antibody that works as a CGRP antagonist. It blocks the CGRP protein in the brain that can cause migraine and headache pain. Emgality (galcanezumab) comes as a prefilled pen and syringe. You inject one dose of the medication under the skin monthly. Some common side effects include pain, itching, and redness at the injection site.

  • Indications of Aimovig vs. Emgality

    Indications for
    •Prevention of migraines in adults
    Indications for
    •Prevention of migraines in adults
    •Treatment of episodic (occasional) cluster headaches in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Aimovig vs. Emgality

    Pros and Const for CGRP antagonist
    Pros
    •Taken only once a month to help prevent migraines
    •Available as a prefilled syringe and a prefilled autoinjector
    Cons
    •Must give as an injection under the skin
    •Not approved for children
    Pros and Const for CGRP antagonist
    Pros
    •Only needs to be given once a month
    •Good option for people who have a hard time taking medications by mouth
    •Generally well tolerated
    Cons
    •Not a good option for people who don't like needles
    •Need to store in a refrigerator
    •Not known if the medication works well or is safe in children, during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding

  • Common Side Effects of Aimovig vs. Emgality

    Common Side Effects for
    •Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site (up to 6%)
    •Constipation (up to 3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Pain, itching, warmth, and other injection site reactions (18%)

  • Warnings of Aimovig vs. Emgality

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reactions
    •Constipation with serious complications
    •High blood pressure
    •Raynaud's phenomenon
    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •High blood pressure
    •Raynaud's phenomenon

  • Prices with our coupons for Aimovig vs. Emgality

    Learn more about Aimovig
    Learn more about Emgality

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