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Compare Emgality vs. Maxalt

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

Key takeaways

Emgality (galcanezumab) and Maxalt (rizatriptan) 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 is given as a monthly injection under the skin. Common side effects include pain and rash at the injection site. On the other hand, Maxalt is a triptan that treats migraines by tightening blood vessels and reducing inflammation. It is taken as an oral tablet or an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) when a migraine starts. Maxalt can cause dizziness and sleepiness and is available as a lower-cost generic. Emgality is not available in a generic form. Emgality is used for prevention, while Maxalt is used for immediate relief during a migraine attack.

  • Emgality (galcanezumab)
    Rizatriptan (Maxalt)
  • Emgality (galcanezumab)
    Rizatriptan (Maxalt)

  • Summary of Emgality vs. Maxalt

    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.

    Summary for Triptan
    Prescription only

    Rizatriptan (Maxalt) is used to treat migraines with or without aura in people ages 6 years and older. Rizatriptan (Maxalt) is available as a lower-cost generic tablet and an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) that's placed on the tongue. Common side effects include dizziness, headache, and sleepiness. It can interact with antidepressants and other similar migraine medications.

  • Indications of Emgality vs. Maxalt

    Indications for
    •Prevention of migraines in adults
    •Treatment of episodic (occasional) cluster headaches in adults
    Indications for
    •Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in people ages 6 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Emgality vs. Maxalt

    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
    Pros and Const for Triptan
    Pros
    •First-choice option for treating migraines
    •Can be used by children ages 6 years and older
    •Orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) a possible option for people who have problems swallowing
    •Works within 30 minutes
    Cons
    •Can't use to prevent migraines
    •Is short-acting, so it might not last as long
    •Not clear if taking a second dose (adults only) is actually helpful
    •Your migraines can get worse if you use this medication too often.

  • Common Side Effects of Emgality vs. Maxalt

    Common Side Effects for
    •Pain, itching, warmth, and other injection site reactions (18%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (4-9%)
    •Sleepiness (4-8%)
    •Tiredness (4-7%)
    •Nausea (4-6%)

  • Warnings of Emgality vs. Maxalt

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •High blood pressure
    •Raynaud's phenomenon
    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart problems and high blood pressure
    •Stroke or other brain injury
    •Extreme narrowing of blood vessels
    •Taking too much rizatriptan (Maxalt)
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - orally disintegrating tablets only

  • Prices with our coupons for Emgality vs. Maxalt

    Learn more about Emgality
    Learn more about Rizatriptan

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