Galcanezumab-gnlm (By injection)

Galcanezumab-gnlm (gal-ka-NEZ-ue-mab - gnlm)

Prevents migraine headaches. Also treats episodic cluster headaches.

Brand Name(s):

Emgality

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas. Do not inject into skin areas that are tender, red, bruised, or hard.
• This medicine is available in 2 forms: a prefilled syringe and a prefilled pen. Before you inject this medicine, always check the label of the device to make sure you have the correct medicine and the correct dose.
• Allow 30 minutes for the medicine to warm up to room temperature. Do not warm it by using a heat source (including hot water, microwave, direct sunlight) or in any other way.
• Check the liquid in the prefilled syringe or pen. It should be clear and colorless to slightly yellow or slightly brown. Do not use it if it is cloudy, discolored, or has particles in it. Do not shake. Do not use it if it looks damaged.
• Prefilled pen:
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
  • Twist off the base cap and throw it away. Do not put it back on. Do not touch the needle.
  • Place and hold the clear base flat and firmly against your skin. Turn the lock ring to the unlock position. Press and hold the teal injection button, you will hear a loud "click". Keep holding the clear base firmly. You will hear a second "click" in about 10 seconds after the first one. This will tell you that you have received the full dose.
• Prefilled syringe:
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
  • Pull the needle cap off. Do not put it back on. Do not touch the needle.
  • Gently pinch and hold a fold of your skin. Insert the needle at a 45 degree angle. Slowly push on the thumb pad to push the plunger all the way down until all the medicine is injected.
  • The gray syringe plunger should be pushed all the way down. You should see the plunger rod show through the syringe body when injection is complete.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as you can. Then, continue to use it each month from the date of your last dose. If you use this medicine for an episodic cluster headache, continue to use this medicine each month from the date of your last dose until the end of the cluster period.
• If you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep the medicine in its original carton. You may also store it at room temperature for up to 7 days. Do not place it back in the refrigerator once you store it at room temperature.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have high blood pressure or a history of blood vessel disease (including Raynaud's phenomenon).
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Raynaud's phenomenon, a blood circulation problem in the fingers or toes
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blurred vision, dizziness, nervousness, headache, pounding in the ears, slow or fast heartbeat
• Sores, coldness, numbness, or color changes on your fingers or toes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot was given

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 6/4/2025