Quick Answer: Emgality should be stored in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C). It can be kept unrefrigerated for up to 7 days at temperatures below 86°F (30°C). Never freeze, shake, or expose it to heat or direct sunlight.

Storing Emgality correctly is crucial to ensuring its effectiveness in preventing migraines. Exposure to temperatures outside the recommended range, or improper storage and handling, can quickly lead to a loss of efficacy and seriously compromise the success of your treatment. The following article provides valuable information about how to store your Emgality pens and syringes, whether at home or traveling.

Related article: 10 Travel Tips For People With Chronic Migraines!

4AllFamily USA Portable coolers to keep medication cool while traveling

What is Emgality?

Emgality is an FDA-approved prescription medication used to prevent or reduce the frequency and severity of migraines in adults. It can also be prescribed to treat episodic cluster headaches. It contains the active drug galcanezumab-gnlm, a monoclonal antibody that blocks the activity of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a protein often responsible for migraines.

Emgality is an injectable medication. It's administered via subcutaneous injection (under the skin), generally once a month. It is only available with a prescription and should only be used under medical supervision.

Related article: Flying With A Migraine: 5 Tips For Taming Migraines On The Plane

Emgality Vs. Aimovig?

Both Emgality and Aimovig are FDA-approved injectable treatments for preventing migraines in adults. While they're similar in many ways, they're not identical. Here's a breakdown to help you understand the main differences:

  • Active Ingredient:

    • Emgality: Contains galcanezumab-gnlm

    • Aimovig: Contains erenumab-aooe

  • How They Work:

    • Emgality: Blocks CGRP, a protein involved in migraine attacks

    • Aimovig: Blocks the CGRP receptor instead of the protein itself

  • Approved Uses:

    • Emgality: Prevents migraines and treats episodic cluster headaches

    • Aimovig: Approved for migraine prevention only

  • Injection Type:

    • Both are monthly subcutaneous injections (under the skin)

  • Effectiveness:

    • Both have been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines

    • Some people may respond better to one over the other

  • Trial and Error May Be Needed:
    • Individual responses vary, and it may take time to find the best option

  • Always Prescription-Only:

    • Both require a doctor's prescription and medical supervision

In any case, whether you should take Emgality, Aimovig, or other drugs like Ajovy for migraines should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

Related article: How Long Can Aimovig Be Out of The Fridge?

How To Store Emgality?

Emgality is available in two different injection devices:

  • Prefilled syringes with 120 mg of galcanezumab-gnlm in 1.5 mL of solution
  • Prefilled pens with 120 mg of galcanezumab-gnlm in 1 mL of solution.

Talk to your doctor regarding what device is best for you. Both the syringe and the pen are intended for single use only and should be disposed of after use.Whether delivered in a syringe or injector pen, Emgality is a temperature-sensitive drug that requires specific storage conditions.

Storage instructions

How to Store Emgality Safely

According to Eli Lilly and Company, proper storage is key to keeping your Emgality pens or syringes effective. Here's what you need to know:

  • Refrigeration Required:

  • Short-Term Flexibility:

    • Emgality can be kept out of the fridge for up to 7 days, but:

      • The temperature must stay below 86°F (30°C).

      • It should not be returned to the refrigerator once removed.

  • Important Handling Tips:

    • Do not freeze Emgality - freezing damages the medication.

    • Do not shake the syringe or pen.

    • Avoid direct sunlight or exposing it to excessive light or heat.

Related article: Summer heat and migraines: How to prevent migraine in hot weather?

How Long Can Emgality Be Unrefrigerated?

As mentioned above, Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm) can only stay unrefrigerated for up to 7 days. Besides, in no case should it be exposed to temperatures above 86°F (30°C).

How to keep Emgality cold when traveling?

Consequently, there are situations where keeping your migraine injections cool may be challenging, mainly:

  • If you're living in or traveling to places where the outside temperatures may get over 86°F (30°C), like during summer days or at hot-weather destinations. In that case, you must ensure your pens or syringes never get exposed to high temperatures.
  • If you're traveling with Emgality for longer than 7 days. In that case, you must use a medical-grade travel fridge to guarantee your injections aren't unrefrigerated for more than 7 days.

That's precisely what 4AllFamily's Travel Coolers have been designed for.

How to Use 4AllFamily USA Chiller Bags for Epipen, Insulin, and temperature-sensitive medications, Size 4

The Chillers are compact, innovative cooling pouches designed to keep Emgality at a safe temperature—without ice or electricity. Just add water to activate the evaporative cooling!

Perfect for travel, the Rambler maintains temperatures between 64°F to 79°F (18°C to 26°C) for up to 45 hours, even in hot weather up to 100°F (38°C).

Available in multiple sizes, The Chillers can carry 1 to 5 pens or syringes, making them ideal for vacations, road trips, or everyday use.

Travel cooler for Emgality pens

If you need to carry refrigerated Emgality, you need a powerful cooler that can maintain your pens or vials at fridge temperatures between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C), like the Voyager Travel Refrigerator for Insulin, the Explorer 72h Insulin Cooler, or the Nomad Insulin Cooling Cases.

4AllFamily USA Travel coolers for Emgality and refrigerated medications

 Additionally, traveling with refrigerated and temperature-sensitive drugs like Emgality or Aimovig implies taking extra precautions:

  • Always keep your injection devices in the shade
  • Never leave your injections in the car
  • Never place them near a heat source (stove, fireplace, barbecue, etc.)

Related article: How to Safely Travel with Refrigerated Medications?

FAQs About Storing Emgality

What happens when Emgality is not refrigerated?

Emgality's active ingredient is galcanezumab-gnlm, a monoclonal antibody. Monoclonal antibodies are complex protein molecules sensitive to temperature changes and light.

If Emgality is not refrigerated or is exposed to temperatures outside of the recommended range, the drug may quickly degrade, leading to a loss of effectiveness. As a result, Emgality may not be as effective in preventing migraines, and your treatment may become unsuccessful. If you have concerns about the effectiveness of your Emgality pens or syringes, immediately consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist. 

How long does Emgality last in the fridge?

Emgality should always be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) until you're ready to use it.

When stored properly and unopened, Emgality can last until the expiration date printed on the package-typically about one year from the purchase date.

Here's a quick checklist to follow:

  • ✅ Keep Emgality in its original packaging inside the fridge

  • Check the expiration date before each use

  • ✅ Use within 7 days if removed from the fridge and kept at room temperature (below 86°F / 30°C)

  • Do not use if it's been unrefrigerated for more than 7 days

  • Never use expired medication, even if it looks fine

Once Emgality is brought to room temperature, do not put it back in the fridge.

Can you put Emgality back in the fridge?

According to its manufacturer, Emgality should not be returned to the refrigerator once it has been brought to room temperature. Exposing Emgality to temperature fluctuations can seriously affect the medication's stability and effectiveness.

Can you freeze Emgality?

No, Emgality should not be frozen. Freezing can cause the migraine drug to denature, affecting its effectiveness in preventing migraines. If Emgality accidentally freezes, do not use it, even if it has thawed afterward.

Related article: What's the Relationship Between High Altitude and Migraines?

📌 Key Takeaways:

  • ❄️ Store Emgality in the fridge between 36°F-46°F (2°C-8°C) until use; never freeze or shake it.

  • 🌡️ Can be unrefrigerated for up to 7 days at temperatures below 86°F (30°C), but must not be returned to the fridge.

  • 🚫 Discard Emgality if it's been out of the fridge too long or has expired-even if it looks fine.

  • ✈️ Use travel coolers to maintain safe temperatures while traveling with Emgality.

  • 💉 Emgality vs. Aimovig: Both are CGRP inhibitors for migraines, but differ in ingredients and how they block migraine pathways.

💬 We'd Love to Hear From You!

Have questions about storing Emgality or traveling with temperature-sensitive medications?Maybe you've got personal tips or tricks that have worked for you?Drop a comment below or get in touch-your experience could help others, and we're always here to help!

📆 Article Update History:

Updated: April 05, 2025

Originally Published: May 08, 2023

May 08, 2023

Comments

4AllFamily Customer Service said:

Hello Suzanne,
Thank you for reaching out. Based on the information from Eli Lilly and Company, Emgality can be stored out of the refrigerator at temperatures up to 86°F (30°C) for up to 7 days. Since your medication was left indoors on the doorstep for two to three days, it would depend on the indoor temperature during that time.
If the temperature stayed below 86°F, the medication should still be effective. However, once removed from the refrigerator and left out, it should not be placed back in the fridge.
If you’re unsure about the temperatures or the exact timing, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist to ensure the medication is safe to use.
Take care and I hope this information helps!
4AlLFamily

Suzanne zainea said:

Returned home from vacation. Emgality was in the door step indoors. Left for two maybe three days. Placed back in refrigerator for two hours. Looked online and read to not place in refrigerator once out. Took it out. Can I still use this medication?

4AllFamily Customer Service said:

Hi Coral,

Thank you for bringing up an excellent question about the transportation of Emgality from the pharmacy to your home.

The good news is that the short period out of refrigeration during your drive home—20 to 30 minutes, as you mentioned—should not compromise the integrity of the Emgality syringes. But once you get home, it’s best to place the syringes back in the refrigerator as soon as possible to ensure they remain within the recommended storage temperature range (36°F to 46°F or 2°C to 8°C). This will keep your medication in optimal condition until you are ready to use them.

It’s also a good idea to use an insulated bag or a cooler for your drive home for extra peace of mind, especially during warmer seasons.

Also, don’t hesitate to discuss that with your pharmacist or healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Best regards,
4AllFamily

Coral said:

What about the drive from the pharmacy to home? During that time it’s not refrigerated, then it’s put back in the fridge. Say it takes 20 to 30 mins to get home. I get three at a time. Do you think the other two may be compromised after being out for that amount of time? These are the syringes..

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The information presented in this article and its comment section is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a replacement for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns or questions you may have.