Can Emgality (Galcanezumab) Cause Hair Loss?
Understanding Emgality and Its Documented Side EffectsEmgality (galcanezumab) represents a breakthrough in migraine prevention as a CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) [...]
Read MoreCan Emgality (Galcanezumab) Cause Hair Loss?
Medically reviewed by Alan Lucks | MD , Alan Lucks MDPC Private Practice - New York on July 3rd, 2026. Updated on July 3rd, 2026
Key Takeaways
Hair loss was not reported as a side effect in clinical trials for Emgality, though some patients have reported hair changes post-market
Multiple factors beyond medication can contribute to hair loss in migraine patients, including chronic stress and nutritional deficiencies
CGRP inhibitors like galcanezumab theoretically could affect hair follicles, but scientific evidence remains limited
Documenting hair changes with photos and timelines helps healthcare providers evaluate potential medication-related effects
The proven benefits of migraine prevention with Emgality typically outweigh potential cosmetic concerns for most patients
Understanding Emgality and Its Documented Side Effects
Emgality (galcanezumab) represents a breakthrough in migraine prevention as a CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) inhibitor. This monthly injection has helped millions of patients reduce their migraine frequency and severity. However, as with any medication, patients may wonder about potential side effects, including whether it could affect their hair health.
The clinical trial data for Emgality provides a comprehensive picture of documented side effects. In Phase III trials involving over 1,800 patients, the most commonly reported side effects included injection site reactions, upper respiratory tract infections, and dizziness. Notably, hair loss or alopecia was not listed among the documented adverse events in these rigorous clinical studies.
Post-market surveillance continues to monitor for additional side effects that may not have appeared during clinical trials. The FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) collects reports from healthcare providers and patients about possible medication-related issues. While some isolated reports of hair changes have been submitted, these remain rare and require careful evaluation to determine causation versus correlation.
How CGRP Inhibitors May Theoretically Affect Hair Growth
To understand whether galcanezumab could potentially cause hair loss, it's important to examine how CGRP functions in the body beyond its role in migraines. CGRP is a neuropeptide found throughout the nervous system and various tissues, including hair follicles.
Research suggests that CGRP may play a role in hair follicle biology and the hair growth cycle. Some studies have indicated that CGRP can influence blood flow to hair follicles and may affect the transition between different phases of hair growth. When medications like galcanezumab block CGRP receptors, there's a theoretical possibility that this could disrupt normal hair follicle function.
However, the clinical significance of this theoretical interaction remains unclear. The concentration of galcanezumab that reaches hair follicles, the duration of CGRP receptor blockade in these tissues, and the actual impact on hair growth cycles have not been extensively studied. Many patients take CGRP inhibitors without experiencing any changes to their hair health, suggesting that if an effect exists, it may be minimal or limited to certain individuals.
Evaluating Patient Reports and Real-World Data
While formal clinical trials didn't identify hair loss as a side effect of Emgality, real-world patient experiences sometimes reveal effects that weren't apparent in controlled studies. Patient forums and migraine support groups occasionally feature discussions about hair changes that some individuals attribute to their CGRP inhibitor therapy.
These anecdotal reports typically describe gradual hair thinning rather than sudden, dramatic hair loss. Patients may notice increased shedding during washing or styling, or observe that their hair feels less dense over time. However, determining whether these changes are truly related to galcanezumab requires careful consideration of other potential factors.
The challenge with evaluating such reports lies in distinguishing correlation from causation. Hair loss can result from numerous factors, and individuals experiencing chronic migraines often face multiple stressors that could independently affect hair growth. Additionally, the timing of hair loss relative to medication initiation may not always align with typical drug-induced patterns.
Medication Type |
Hair Loss in Clinical Trials |
Post-Market Hair Loss Reports |
Estimated Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
Galcanezumab (Emgality) |
Not reported |
Rare isolated cases |
<0.1% estimated |
Fremanezumab (Ajovy) |
Not reported |
Very rare reports |
<0.1% estimated |
Erenumab (Aimovig) |
Not reported |
Occasional reports |
<0.2% estimated |
Traditional preventives (topiramate) |
Well documented |
Common reports |
2-5% frequency |
Multiple Factors Contributing to Hair Loss in Migraine Patients
Migraine patients face unique challenges that can independently affect hair growth, making it difficult to attribute hair loss solely to medication. Chronic pain conditions create significant physiological stress, which can disrupt normal hair growth cycles through the hair connection between stress hormones and follicle function.
Nutritional factors also play a crucial role in hair health. Many migraine sufferers experience dietary restrictions, food sensitivities, or absorption issues that can lead to deficiencies in key nutrients like iron, B vitamins, and protein. These deficiencies can manifest as hair thinning or increased shedding, often months after the nutritional problem begins.
Additionally, migraine patients frequently take multiple medications that could contribute to hair changes. Some may use hormonal treatments, antidepressants, or other preventive medications known to affect hair growth. Understanding the complete medication profile is essential when evaluating potential causes of hair loss, as drug-induced hair thinning can result from various therapeutic agents.
Sleep disruption, another common issue in chronic migraine patients, can also impact hair health. Poor sleep quality affects hormone regulation and cellular repair processes, potentially influencing hair follicle function and growth patterns.
What to Do If You Notice Hair Changes While Taking Emgality
If you observe changes in your hair while taking galcanezumab, the first step is careful documentation. Take photos from consistent angles and lighting conditions to objectively track any changes over time. Note when you first noticed the changes, their progression, and any other symptoms or life changes that coincided with the hair loss.
Schedule a consultation with your healthcare provider to discuss your concerns. They can perform a thorough evaluation to identify potential causes beyond your migraine medication. This assessment may include blood tests to check for nutritional deficiencies, thyroid function, and hormonal imbalances that commonly cause hair loss.
Your provider may also review your complete medication list and medical history to identify other possible contributors to hair changes. They can help determine whether the timing and pattern of your hair loss are consistent with medication-related effects or suggest alternative explanations.
If galcanezumab is suspected as a contributing factor, your healthcare team can discuss treatment options. This might include temporary discontinuation to assess whether hair growth improves, switching to an alternative migraine preventive, or implementing supportive measures to promote hair health while continuing the medication.
For patients concerned about medication side effects or seeking guidance on migraine management, Doctronic's AI-powered consultations provide 24/7 access to healthcare expertise. With over 22 million AI consultations completed and 99.2% treatment plan alignment with board-certified physicians, patients can receive personalized guidance on balancing migraine prevention with potential side effect concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hair loss was not reported in clinical trials for Emgality. While some patients have reported hair changes in post-market surveillance, the exact frequency remains unclear and may be coincidental rather than drug-related.
If hair loss is truly related to galcanezumab, it would likely be reversible upon discontinuation. However, hair regrowth typically takes 3-6 months, and other underlying causes should be evaluated first.
Focus on overall hair health through proper nutrition, stress management, gentle hair care, and addressing any underlying conditions. Regular monitoring and early intervention may help if changes occur.
Traditional preventives like beta-blockers or anticonvulsants have established side effect profiles. Other CGRP inhibitors show similar low rates of hair-related reports. Discuss alternatives with your healthcare provider.
If medication-related, hair changes typically appear 2-4 months after starting treatment due to hair growth cycles. However, correlation doesn't prove causation, and other factors should be considered first.
The Bottom Line
While hair loss was not documented in Emgality clinical trials, some patients report hair changes that may or may not be related to the medication. Multiple factors can contribute to hair loss in migraine patients, including chronic stress, nutritional deficiencies, and concurrent medications. If you notice hair changes while taking galcanezumab, document the timeline and discuss concerns with your healthcare provider. The proven benefits of migraine prevention often outweigh potential cosmetic side effects, but treatment adjustments may be possible if needed. This article is informational and is not a medical diagnosis. Confirm with a licensed clinician, especially for new, worsening, or high-risk symptoms.
