Can Emgality (galcanezumab) be taken with Lyme disease medication?

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Last updated: May 5, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

It's generally safe to take Emgality (galcanezumab) alongside medications for Lyme disease, but you should consult with your healthcare provider before combining these treatments. Emgality is a monoclonal antibody used for migraine prevention that works by blocking CGRP receptors, while Lyme disease treatments typically involve antibiotics such as doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime 1. These medications work through different mechanisms in the body, which reduces the likelihood of problematic interactions. However, individual factors like your specific Lyme medication regimen, other medications you're taking, and your overall health status could affect this recommendation. Some key considerations for Lyme disease treatment include:

  • The use of doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime axetil for 14 days for early localized or early disseminated Lyme disease associated with erythema migrans 1
  • The potential for increased side effects when combining treatments, such as fatigue, headache, or injection site reactions from Emgality alongside potential gastrointestinal issues from antibiotics
  • The importance of evaluating your complete medical history and current medication list to ensure these treatments can be safely combined for your specific situation Your doctor needs to evaluate your complete medical history and current medication list to ensure these treatments can be safely combined for your specific situation.

From the Research

Emgality and Lyme Medication Interaction

There is no direct evidence in the provided studies regarding the interaction between Emgality and Lyme medication.

Lyme Disease Treatment Options

  • The most common manifestations of Lyme disease include erythema migrans (EM), Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB), and Lyme arthritis (LA) 2.
  • Oral amoxicillin (1.5 g/day), oral azithromycin (0.5 g/day), injectable ceftriaxone, and injectable cefotaxime were found to be effective for treating Lyme disease 2.
  • Cefuroxime and penicillin were found to be safe for treating Lyme disease 2.
  • Doxycycline or amoxicillin can be used as oral agents for prompt antimicrobial therapy, with a success rate of over 90% 3.
  • Ceftriaxone is the drug of choice for severe acute and chronic infections due to its good penetration into CSF and proven high efficacy in clinical trials 3.

Treatment Guidelines

  • The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), American Academy of Neurology (AAN), and American College of Rheumatology (ACR) have developed evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Lyme disease 4.
  • The guidelines include recommendations for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Lyme disease, as well as management of complications such as neurologic, cardiac, and rheumatologic manifestations 4.

Since there are no research papers to assist in answering the question about Emgality being taken with Lyme medication, no further information can be provided.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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