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Emgality vs. Frova

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

Key takeaways

Emgality (galcanezumab) and Frova (frovatriptan) are both used to manage migraines, but they work differently and are used in different ways. Emgality is a monoclonal antibody that prevents migraines and treats cluster headaches by blocking a protein called calcitonin-gene related peptide (CGRP). It's given as a monthly injection under the skin. On the other hand, Frova is a triptan that treats migraines by tightening blood vessels in the brain and stopping pain-causing chemicals. It's taken as a pill when you feel a migraine coming on and can be taken again after two hours if needed. Emgality is not available in a generic form, while Frova is available as a lower-cost generic. Emgality is used for prevention, while Frova is for short-term treatment. Emgality's common side effects include injection site reactions, while Frova can cause dizziness and tiredness.

Emgality

(galcanezumab)

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Frovatriptan

(Frova)

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Summary for Emgality

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 for Emgality

Pros and Cons for Emgality

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 for Emgality

  • Pain, itching, warmth, and other injection site reactions (18%)

Warnings for Emgality

  • Serious allergic reactions
  • High blood pressure
  • Raynaud's phenomenon

Summary for Frova

Prescription only

Frovatriptan (Frova) is one of the many triptans available for treating migraine. It's approved for adults who have migraines with or without aura. The dosage is a tablet that's swallowed whole when you have a migraine. You can take another tablet 2 hours later if the medication doesn't completely relieve your migraine. Side effects include dizziness, tiredness, and sometimes chest tightness. Frovatriptan (Frova) is available as a brand-name and generic medication.

Indications for Frova

Pros and Cons for Frova

Pros

Cons

  • Might not be a good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills whole during a migraine
  • Might take about 2 hours or longer to feel complete pain relief
  • Not recommended for children under 18 years old

Common Side Effects for Frova

  • Dizziness (8%)
  • Tiredness (5%)
  • Headache (4%)
  • "Pins and needles" feeling in the hands or legs (4%)
  • Flushing (4%)
  • Dry mouth (3%)
  • Hot or cold sensation (3%)
  • Bone pain (3%)
  • Indigestion (2%)
  • Chest pain (2%)

Warnings for Frova

  • Heart attack and chest pain (angina)
  • Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmias)
  • Stroke or other brain injury
  • Extreme narrowing of blood vessels
  • Worse headaches if you take frovatriptan (Frova) too often
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • High blood pressure
  • Allergic reaction

Prices with our coupons for Emgality vs. Frova

Price Card Drug Icon
Emgality1 pen / 120mg/ml
$630.16$921.09
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Frovatriptan1 dose pack / 9 tablets of 2.5mg
$38.30$560.30
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