Emgality Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

Updated:

February 17, 2026

Author:

Peter Daggett

Summarize this blog with AI:

Is Emgality still in shortage in 2026? Get the latest update on availability, pricing, alternatives, and how to find it in stock near you.

Emgality in 2026: What's the Current Situation?

If you rely on Emgality (Galcanezumab) to keep your migraines under control, you've probably experienced the frustration of going to your pharmacy only to hear "we don't have it in stock." This has been an ongoing issue for Emgality patients, and heading into 2026, many are wondering: is the shortage over?

In this post, we'll cover the latest on Emgality's availability, why it's been hard to find, what it costs in 2026, and what you can do to stay on top of your treatment.

Is Emgality Still in Shortage?

As of early 2026, Emgality remains on the ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) drug shortage list. The listed reason is increased demand from Eli Lilly, the sole manufacturer.

This doesn't mean Emgality is completely unavailable everywhere. It means that supply is inconsistent — some pharmacies have it, others don't, and availability can change week to week. Patients in some regions report no issues filling their prescriptions, while others face weeks-long waits.

The shortage is not a formal FDA drug shortage listing with a projected resolution date. It's more of a demand-driven supply constraint, which makes it harder to predict when things will fully normalize.

Why Is Emgality Hard to Find?

Several factors contribute to the ongoing availability challenges:

  • Growing demand: CGRP inhibitors have become the standard of care for migraine prevention. As more patients and providers learn about Emgality, prescriptions have increased faster than production can keep up.
  • Sole manufacturer: Eli Lilly is the only company making Emgality. There are no generic versions or biosimilars, so any production delay has a direct impact on patients.
  • Specialty distribution: As a biologic requiring cold-chain storage, Emgality is distributed differently than most medications. Not every pharmacy stocks it routinely.
  • Insurance and prior auth delays: The unpredictable approval timeline for prior authorizations means pharmacies can't easily forecast demand.

For a deeper dive into these factors, read our explainer: Why is Emgality so hard to find?

How Much Does Emgality Cost in 2026?

Cost continues to be a major concern for Emgality patients. Here's what you can expect:

  • Cash price (without insurance): Approximately $700–$950 per month for one 120 mg prefilled pen. GoodRx lists coupon prices starting around $714.
  • With commercial insurance: Copays vary widely. With the Emgality Savings Card from Eli Lilly, eligible commercially insured patients can pay as little as $0 for the first month and $35/month thereafter for up to 12 months.
  • Medicare/Medicaid: Government insurance does not qualify for the manufacturer savings card. Medicare Part D coverage varies by plan and typically requires prior authorization.
  • Without insurance: The Lilly Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program provides Emgality free of charge to qualifying uninsured patients.

For a complete breakdown of ways to save, read our guide: How to save money on Emgality in 2026.

Are There New Options for Migraine Prevention?

The CGRP inhibitor landscape has expanded significantly since Emgality's approval in 2018. If you're having trouble accessing Emgality, you now have more alternatives than ever:

  • Aimovig (Erenumab): Monthly injection targeting the CGRP receptor. Similar cost range.
  • Ajovy (Fremanezumab): Monthly or quarterly injection targeting CGRP directly (same mechanism as Emgality).
  • Vyepti (Eptinezumab): Quarterly IV infusion administered in a healthcare setting.
  • Qulipta (Atogepant): Daily oral pill for migraine prevention — no injections needed.

For a detailed comparison, see alternatives to Emgality.

How to Find Emgality in Stock

If you need Emgality now, here's what to do:

  1. Check Medfinder: Use Medfinder to search for pharmacies near you that have Emgality in stock. It's the fastest way to find real-time availability.
  2. Try independent pharmacies: They often have access to different wholesalers than chain pharmacies and may have stock when CVS or Walgreens don't.
  3. Contact specialty pharmacies: Since Emgality is a biologic, specialty pharmacies are more likely to keep it in stock consistently.
  4. Call Eli Lilly: Their support line at 1-833-364-2548 can help locate pharmacies with supply.
  5. Refill early: Don't wait until injection day. Request your refill 5-7 days ahead of when you need it.

For more tips, read our complete guide: How to find Emgality in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Emgality shortage in 2026 isn't a crisis — but it is a persistent inconvenience that requires patients to be proactive. The supply situation has improved compared to the worst periods in 2022-2023, but intermittent stockouts continue at many pharmacies.

Stay ahead of the shortage by using Medfinder, planning your refills early, and having a backup plan with your doctor. Whether that means trying an alternative CGRP inhibitor or finding a more reliable pharmacy, you shouldn't have to go without migraine prevention because of supply issues.

If you're a healthcare provider looking for guidance, check out our provider-focused update: Emgality shortage: What providers and prescribers need to know.

Is Emgality on backorder in 2026?

Emgality remains on the ASHP drug shortage list as of early 2026 due to increased demand. While it's not universally backordered at every pharmacy, supply is inconsistent. Some pharmacies have stock while others don't, and availability can change from week to week.

When will the Emgality shortage end?

There is no official end date for the Emgality supply constraints. Eli Lilly has not provided a specific resolution timeline. The shortage is driven by high demand for CGRP inhibitors and the fact that Lilly is the sole manufacturer with no generic or biosimilar alternatives available.

How much does Emgality cost without insurance in 2026?

The cash price for Emgality without insurance is approximately $700 to $950 per month for one 120 mg prefilled pen. With a GoodRx coupon, prices start around $714. Uninsured patients may qualify for free medication through the Lilly Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program.

Can I use a different migraine medication while Emgality is unavailable?

Yes. Talk to your doctor about temporarily or permanently switching to another CGRP inhibitor such as Aimovig, Ajovy, Vyepti, or the oral option Qulipta. These medications work through similar mechanisms and are all FDA-approved for migraine prevention. Your doctor can help determine the best alternative based on your health history and insurance coverage.

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