Galcanezumab
Galcanezumab is a monoclonal antibody medication used to prevent migraines and cluster headaches. It works by targeting and blocking calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a protein involved in migraine pain pathways.
Galcanezumab is an injectable monoclonal antibody that prevents migraines and cluster headaches by blocking CGRP.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N02CD02
- RxNorm
- 2058846
- Generic
- Galcanezumab
- Class
- atc-n02
- Brands
- Emgality
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- prefilled syringe
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 240 mg loading dose, then 120 mg monthly
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once monthly after loading dose
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5 mg/kg (max 120 mg) loading dose, then 5 mg/kg monthly
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once monthly after loading dose
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 240 mg loading dose, then 120 mg monthly
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once monthly after loading dose
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal care and fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
continue only if benefits outweigh risks, consider discontinuation if pregnancy confirmed
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh risks, consider timing of delivery
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment
use with caution, decision should be made weighing benefits vs unknown risks
monitor infant for adverse effects
geriatric
elderly 65 plusno adjustment
no dose adjustment required for patients 65 years and older
standard clinical monitoring
pediatric_age
under 18 yearsnot recommended
not approved for use in patients under 18 years of age
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mild moderateno adjustment
no dose adjustment needed for mild to moderate renal impairment
standard clinical monitoring
renal_impairment
severeno adjustment
use with caution in severe renal impairment, monitor closely
renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild moderateno adjustment
no dose adjustment needed for mild to moderate hepatic impairment
standard clinical monitoring
hepatic_impairment
severeno adjustment
use with caution in severe hepatic impairment, limited data available
liver function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Initial FDA approval date for Galcanezumab
Drug class
Calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonist classification
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indication
Route of administration
Delivery method for Galcanezumab
Prevention of episodic and chronic migraine in adults, and prevention of cluster headache episodes in adults.
Galcanezumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) ligand, blocking it from binding to its receptor and thereby inhibiting the signaling pathways involved in migraine pain.
Administered as a monthly subcutaneous injection, typically self-administered after proper training. Common side effects include injection site reactions. Patients should be monitored for hypersensitivity reactions. Not indicated for acute migraine treatment.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy