Emgality (galcanezumab) vs Ubrelvy (ubrogepant)

Emgality (galcanezumab) vs Ubrelvy (ubrogepant)

Emgality (galcanezumab) is a once-monthly subcutaneous injection used as a preventive treatment for migraine, working by blocking the activity of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a molecule involved in migraine attacks. Ubrelvy (ubrogepant), on the other hand, is an oral medication taken as needed to relieve the symptoms of an acute migraine attack, functioning as a CGRP receptor antagonist to stop the pain and associated symptoms once they have started. When deciding between the two, a patient should consider whether they need a preventive approach to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks (Emgality) or a treatment to address the symptoms once an attack occurs (Ubrelvy).

Difference between Emgality and Ubrelvy

Metric Emgality (galcanezumab) Ubrelvy (ubrogepant)
Generic name galcanezumab ubrogepant
Indications Preventive treatment of migraine in adults Acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults
Mechanism of action Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonist Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist
Brand names Emgality Ubrelvy
Administrative route Subcutaneous injection Oral
Side effects Injection site reactions, constipation, itching Nausea, somnolence, dry mouth
Contraindications Hypersensitivity to galcanezumab or any of the excipients Hypersensitivity to ubrogepant or any of the excipients
Drug class Monoclonal antibody Small molecule CGRP receptor antagonist
Manufacturer Eli Lilly and Company Allergan plc

Efficacy

Emgality (Galcanezumab) for Migraine Prevention

Emgality (galcanezumab) is a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonist designed for the prevention of migraine in adults. Clinical trials have demonstrated its efficacy in reducing the frequency of migraine days in patients with episodic and chronic migraine. In these trials, patients treated with Emgality experienced a significant reduction in the number of monthly migraine days compared to those who received a placebo. The treatment was generally well-tolerated, and the most common adverse reactions reported were injection site reactions.

Long-Term Efficacy of Emgality

The long-term efficacy of Emgality has been supported by extension phases of pivotal trials, where the reduction in monthly migraine days was sustained over a period of up to 12 months. Patients who continued treatment with Emgality maintained a lower frequency of migraine days, suggesting that the benefits of the medication persist with ongoing use. This sustained efficacy is an important consideration for patients and healthcare providers when selecting a preventive treatment for migraines.

Ubrelvy (Ubrogepant) for Acute Migraine Treatment

Ubrelvy (ubrogepant) is an oral CGRP receptor antagonist indicated for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults. Clinical studies have shown that Ubrelvy is effective in relieving migraine pain and the most bothersome symptom identified by the patient, such as nausea or light sensitivity, within two hours of taking the medication. The efficacy of Ubrelvy was evaluated in randomized controlled trials, where a higher percentage of patients achieved pain freedom and absence of their most bothersome symptom compared to placebo at two hours post-dose.

Considerations for Ubrelvy Use

Ubrelvy's efficacy in treating individual migraine attacks supports its use as an acute treatment option. It is important to note that Ubrelvy is not intended for the preventive treatment of migraine and should not be used for more than 15 days per month to avoid medication overuse headaches. The safety and effectiveness of Ubrelvy have been established in short-term studies, and its role in the long-term management of migraine requires further investigation. As with any medication, the decision to use Ubrelvy should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, taking into account the patient's overall health and treatment history.

Regulatory Agency Approvals

Emgality
  • European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
  • Health Canada
  • Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia
Ubrelvy
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA

Access Emgality or Ubrelvy today

If Emgality or Ubrelvy are not approved or available in your country (e.g. due to supply issues), you can access them via Everyone.org.

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