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 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.