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Compare Ajovy vs. Emgality

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

Key takeaways

Ajovy (fremanezumab) and Emgality (galcanezumab) are both medications used to prevent migraines, but they have some differences. Ajovy is a CGRP receptor blocker, while Emgality is a monoclonal antibody that blocks the CGRP ligand. Ajovy is available only as a brand-name medication and can be injected once a month or once every three months. Emgality, also a brand-name medication, is injected once monthly. Ajovy is used solely for migraine prevention, while Emgality can also treat episodic cluster headaches. Common side effects for Ajovy include injection-site reactions like pain and swelling, while Emgality can cause injection-site reactions, sore throat, and back pain. Both medications need to be stored in the refrigerator but can be kept at room temperature for up to 7 days.

  • Ajovy (fremanezumab)
    Emgality (galcanezumab)
  • Ajovy (fremanezumab)
    Emgality (galcanezumab)

  • Summary of Ajovy vs. Emgality

    Summary for CGRP receptor blocker
    Prescription only

    Ajovy (fremanezumab or fremanezumab-vfrm) is an injection under the skin that helps prevent migraines in adults. This medication is convenient because it only needs to be used once every month or once every 3 months. The only observed side effects in clinical studies were injection-site reactions (e.g., pain, swelling, redness). Ajovy (fremanezumab) is available as a prefilled autoinjector pen and a prefilled syringe. It's currently only available as a brand-name medication; there's no generic yet.

    Summary for Monoclonal antibody
    Prescription only

    Emgality (galcanezumab or galcanezumab-gnlm) is a monoclonal antibody that's used to prevent migraine attacks and to treat cluster headaches in adults. Emgality (galcanezumab) works by blocking a specific protein in the brain that can cause migraines and headaches. This medication is injected under the skin monthly. Some common side effects of Emgality (galcanezumab) include pain, itching, and rash at the injection site.

  • Indications of Ajovy vs. Emgality

    Indications for
    •Prevention of migraines in adults
    Indications for
    •Migraine prevention
    •Episodic (occasional) cluster headaches

  • Pros and Cons of Ajovy vs. Emgality

    Pros and Const for CGRP receptor blocker
    Pros
    •Taken only once per month or once every 3 months
    •Can store at room temperature for up to 7 days, if needed
    •Available as a prefilled syringe and a prefilled autoinjector
    •Manufacturer offers a savings program for certain people
    Cons
    •Might be difficult for some people to use properly
    •Only used for preventing migraines (not for treating a migraine attack)
    •Available as a brand-name medication only
    •Hasn't been studied in children younger than 18 years old
    Pros and Const for Monoclonal antibody
    Pros
    •Only needs to be given once a month
    •Good option for people who have a hard time taking medications by mouth
    •Patient assistance programs are available to help lower the cost
    Cons
    •Not a good option for people who don't like needles
    •Needs to be stored in a refrigerator
    •Not known whether Emgality (galcanezumab) works well or is safe in young children, or people who are pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Common Side Effects of Ajovy vs. Emgality

    Common Side Effects for
    •Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site (43-45%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Pain, itching, warmth, and other injection site reactions (up to 20%)
    •Sore throat, runny nose (up to 18%)
    •Back pain (up to 10%)

    Please note: Side effects were reported by people who took Emgality (galcanezumab) in a clinical study.

  • Warnings of Ajovy vs. Emgality

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Antibody formation against Emgality (galcanezumab)

  • Prices with our coupons for Ajovy vs. Emgality

    Learn more about Ajovy
    Learn more about Emgality

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