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Compare Emgality vs. Zomig

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

Key takeaways

Emgality (galcanezumab) and Zomig (zolmitriptan) 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. On the other hand, Zomig is a triptan that treats migraines by attaching to serotonin receptors to reduce blood vessel swelling and pain signals. Zomig is taken as needed at the first sign of a migraine and comes in tablet, orally disintegrating tablet, and nasal spray forms. Emgality is only available as a brand-name medication, while Zomig is available in both brand-name and generic forms. Emgality is used for prevention, whereas Zomig is used for immediate relief. Common side effects of Emgality include injection site reactions, while Zomig can cause dizziness and chest pain.

  • Emgality (galcanezumab)
    Zolmitriptan (Zomig)
  • Emgality (galcanezumab)
    Zolmitriptan (Zomig)

  • Summary of Emgality vs. Zomig

    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.

    Summary for Triptan
    Prescription only

    Zolmitriptan (Zomig) is used for the short-term treatment of migraines. You typically take just one dose when you have a migraine. Zolmitriptan (Zomig) can cause side effects like dizziness and chest, neck, or jaw pain. This medication is a tablet that you swallow. It also comes as an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) and a nasal spray, which can be good options for people who have trouble swallowing pills during a migraine. Zolmitriptan (Zomig) is available by prescription only as a brand-name and generic medication; it's not found over the counter.

  • Indications of Emgality vs. Zomig

    Indications for
    •Migraine prevention
    •Episodic (occasional) cluster headaches
    Indications for
    •Treatment of migraine

  • Pros and Cons of Emgality vs. Zomig

    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
    Pros and Const for Triptan
    Pros
    •One of the first-choice options for adults to treat moderate or severe migraine
    •Works within 2 hours after taking the dose
    •Has ODT and nasal spray forms, so it's a good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills during a migraine
    Cons
    •Not used for other types of headaches
    •Doesn't prevent migraines from happening
    •Can worsen your headaches if you take the medication for more than 9 days in a month

  • Common Side Effects of Emgality vs. Zomig

    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.

    Common Side Effects for

    Tablets and orally disintegrating tablets

    •Nausea (up to 9%)
    •Dizziness (up to 8%)
    •Pins and needles feeling in the arms or legs (up to 7%)
    •Neck, throat, or jaw pain, tightness, or pressure (up to 7%)
    •Sleepiness (up to 6%)
    •Feeling warm or cold (up to 6%)
    •Body weakness (up to 5%)
    •Dry mouth (up to 5%)
    •Chest pain, tightness, pressure, or heaviness (up to 3%)

    Nasal spray

    •Unusual taste (up to 17%)
    •Dizziness (6%)
    •Pins and needles feeling in your arms or legs (5%)
    •Throat pain (4%)
    •Feeling warm (4%)
    •Dry mouth (3%)
    •Body weakness (3%)

  • Warnings of Emgality vs. Zomig

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Antibody formation against Emgality (galcanezumab)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart attack and chest pain (angina)
    •Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmias)
    •Stroke or other brain injury
    •Blood vessel issues
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •High blood pressure
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - for orally disintegrating tablet only

  • Prices with our coupons for Emgality vs. Zomig

    Learn more about Emgality
    Learn more about Zolmitriptan

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