Galcanezumab is used to prevent migraine (severe throbbing pain or pulsating sensation usually affecting one side of the head and is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound).
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Galcanezumab is to be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh, upper arm, abdomen area, or buttocks).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you. If you or your caregiver had been given the proper training on the preparation and injection techniques of this medicine, you or your caregiver may do the administration.
Use Galcanezumab exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not administer more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Remember to rotate the injection sites. Do not inject into the same area all the time. New injection sites should be at least 1.5 inches away from the previous injection site. Do not inject near the navel (belly button), and into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, or hard.
This medicine is available as a single-use pre-filled pen or syringe. Make sure you know how to use the specific device you have been given. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you are using the pre-filled pen, follow these steps:
- Prepare the injection pen as instructed by your doctor or nurse.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Make sure that the injection pen is locked, then twist off the base cap. Do not shake the injection pen.
- Swab the injection site area with alcohol.
- Press and hold the injection pen against your body using the subcutaneous (under the skin) injection method.
- Use your thumb to push the injection button until it stops. You will hear a loud click. Continue to hold the injection button in that position for 5-10 seconds until you hear a second click to get a full dose.
- Withdraw the injection pen from your body.
- Press a cotton ball or gauze pad on the injection site to stop any bleeding. Do not rub on it.
- Throw the pen according to your doctor or pharmacist's instructions. Do not throw away in household trash.
If you are using the pre-filled syringe, follow these steps:
- Prepare the injection syringe as instructed by your doctor or nurse.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Swab the injection site area with alcohol and allow it to dry.
- Hold the pre-filled syringe in the middle of its body and keep your hand away from the plunger. Do not shake the syringe. Pull off the needle cap when you are ready to inject.
- Gently pinch the skin at the injection site using your other hand. Hold the syringe like a pencil and insert the needle into the pinched skin at a 45-degree angle using a quick dart-like motion.
- Slowly press the plunger down until the syringe becomes empty.
- Remove the needle from your skin and gently let go of your skin.
- Press a cotton ball or gauze pad over the injection site to stop any bleeding. Do not rub on it.
- Dispose of your used pre-filled syringes according to your doctor or pharmacist's instructions. Do not throw away in the household trash.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Inject the missed dose as soon as you remember, then inject the next dose after 1 month from the date of your last dose to return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you forgot to administer your dose.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- high blood pressure
- heart disease
- history of Raynaud's disease (poor blood circulation which makes the toes and fingers numb and pale when feeling cold or stressed)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
Galcanezumab may cause dizziness with sensations of spinning. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: constipation and pain, redness, swelling or itching at the injection site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth or throat
- severe headache, dizziness, lightheadedness or passing out
- change in the colour of fingers or toes from pale to blue or red, fingers or toes feeling numb, cold or painful
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not freeze Galcanezumab otherwise, it will no longer be effective and should not be used.
If necessary, this medicine may be kept at room temperature (up to 30°C) for up to 7 days. Once stored out of the refrigerator, do not place the pre-filled pen or syringe back in the refrigerator.
If you notice that the injection has changed colour or has become cloudy, do not use it. Throw it away and use a new injection.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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