Galcanezumab
CGRP antagonists (gepants and anti-CGRP antibodies)
CGRP antagonists (gepants and anti-CGRP antibodies)
A monoclonal antibody against the CGRP peptide, injected under the skin. It prevents migraine and is also used for cluster headache.
Also called: Galcanezumab-gnlm
Quick facts
- Group
- CGRP antagonists (gepants and anti-CGRP antibodies)
- Target
- CGRP peptide (the ligand, not the receptor)
- Used for
- Prevention of migraine in adults
- Key effects
- Pain
- Monitor
- Headache diary to judge the benefit · Blood pressure
- ATC
- N02CD02
No doses: the clinician sets them by the current guideline.
Mechanism of action
Galcanezumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds the CGRP peptide and prevents it from binding to and activating its receptor. Blocking CGRP signalling in the trigeminovascular system reduces vasodilation and neurogenic inflammation, the mechanism behind its effect in migraine and cluster headache.
- Galcanezumab binds CGRP
- CGRP cannot activate its receptor
- Less trigeminovascular inflammation
- Fewer migraine days; fewer cluster attacks
Indications
- Prevention of migraine in adults Migraine →
- Episodic cluster headache Cluster headache →
Adverse effects
Common
- Pain, swelling or redness at the injection site
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to galcanezumab or any component of the product
Key interactions
- Acute headache medicines
- Still needed for attacks; galcanezumab does not replace them
What is monitored
- Headache diary to judge the benefit
- Blood pressure
- Fingers and toes for Raynaud symptoms
Administration and safety
- Taken out of the refrigerator and left about 30 minutes to reach room temperature, never warmed
- Injected under the skin of the thigh, back of the upper arm, buttocks or abdomen
- Each pen or syringe is used once and discarded in a sharps container
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
There is little information in pregnancy; it is a decision for the treating team.
Nursing care
- Teach injection technique and safe sharps disposal
- Ask about high blood pressure and Raynaud phenomenon
- Explain that allergic reactions can be delayed by days
- Remind that attack medicines are still needed
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption
- Subcutaneous injection
- Elimination
- Long-acting antibody given at monthly intervals
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Besides migraine prevention, which headache is galcanezumab used for?
Episodic cluster headache.
What does galcanezumab bind?
The CGRP peptide, not its receptor.
By which route is galcanezumab given?
Subcutaneous injection.
Connections
← Back to the class: CGRP antagonists (gepants and anti-CGRP antibodies)
Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: Galcanezumab-gnlm Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.