Formulary
Galcanezumab: Indications, Dosing, Side Effects and Interactions
Galcanezumab is a humanised monoclonal antibody that binds to the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) ligand, inhibiting the function of CGRP at its...
MedNext Academy | 3 min read
Galcanezumab: Indications, Dosing, Side Effects and Interactions
Galcanezumab is a humanised monoclonal antibody that binds to the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) ligand, inhibiting the function of CGRP at its...
Drug action
Galcanezumab is a humanised monoclonal antibody that binds to the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) ligand, inhibiting the function of CGRP at its receptor, and thereby preventing migraine attacks.
Indications and dose
**Prophylaxis of migraine [in patients who have at least 4 migraine days per month] (initiated by a specialist)**
- **Adult** (By Subcutaneous Injection): Loading dose 240 mg for 1 dose, then maintenance 120 mg once a month, maintenance dosing to start 1 month after loading dose. Review treatment 3 months after initiation.
Side effects
Common or very common Constipation; skin reactions; vertigo Rare or very rare Anaphylactic reaction; angioedema
Interactions
**Other interactions (1):**
- No pharmacokinetic drug interactions are expected based on the characteristics of galcanezumab.
Pregnancy
Manufacturer advises avoid-limited information available.
Breast feeding
Manufacturer advises avoid during first few days after birth-possible risk from transfer of antibodies to infant. After this time, use during breast-feeding only if clinically needed.
Medicinal forms
Clinical governance
**Author:** MedNext Clinical Team. **Clinical reviewer:** Dr Shameer Deen, MBBS, MS, MRCS. **Sources:** BNF, Indian Pharmacopoeia, CIMS India. **Correction:** Report errors at support@mednext.academy.
Inside MedNext for this topic
- 411 MedNext-authored chapters
- 80,000+ MCQ bank
- 15 study modes
- Growing visual cheat sheets
Study modes
- Notes
- MCQ
- Audio
- Video
- Visual
- 3D Anatomy
- Trace
- Flashcards
- Mnemonics
- Image Bank
- Clinical
- Microscopy
- Audio QBank
- Cadaver
- Book Match
Continue reading
Subject HubPharmacology Hub
All pharmacology resources in one place.
Drug SchedulesIndian Drug Schedules
Schedule H, H1, X and G classifications.
FormularyBrowse all drugs
Search 1,850+ drug profiles.
Study Galcanezumab in the MedNext app
Challenge yourself with targeted pharmacology MCQs on this drug class. Every explanation links back to the chapter that teaches the concept.
Start drug challengeExplore the full formulary

