If you get occasional migraines, you’re not alone. More than 1 in 10 people in the U.S. get them. If you have migraines often, your doctor may prescribe you a medication called atogepant (Qulipta).
Here are some key facts about this new medication.
What Is Atogepant (Qulipta)?
Qulipta is the brand name for a generic drug called atogepant. Atogepant is a prescription medication that prevents episodic migraines, a type of severe headache that can last hours or even days. There’s no other generic version of atogepant yet. Qulipta is trademarked by AbbVie, a drug company that makes other migraine treatments such as Botox and ubrogepant (Ubrelvy).
How Does Atogepant (Qulipta) Work?
It blocks the action of the protein calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). When large amounts of CGRP are released, it agitates the nerves in your head and face that can lead to migraine pain.
CGRP also affects your digestive tract. That’s why the main side effects of atogepant involve the stomach, intestines, and colon.
Who Should Take Atogepant (Qulipta)?
This drug is designed to prevent episodic migraines, which is when you have migraines up to 14 days a month.
One 12-week clinical trial found the drug cut the number of monthly migraine days by half or more for most people. That’s significantly more than reductions reported by people who took a placebo with no medication.
Higher doses of atogepant appear to do a slightly better job of preventing migraine attacks. Fifty-six percent of people taking 10 milligrams saw their migraine days drop by at least half. That compared with 59% of people taking 30 milligrams and 61% of people on a 60-milligram dose. By comparison, 29% of people taking a placebo had their migraine days cut by half or more.
Who Shouldn’t Take Atogepant (Qulipta)?
People who are pregnant or are trying to get pregnant shouldn’t take atogepant, because there’s not enough data to know if it’s safe for unborn babies. For the same reason, you should not take atogepant if you’re breastfeeding.
How Should I Take Atogepant (Qulipta)?
You should take one atogepant tablet once a day to prevent migraines, even on days when you don’t feel a migraine coming on.
If your doctor tells you to take the drug differently, such as two 30-milligram pills twice a day, follow your doctor’s instructions.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Atogepant (Qulipta)?
If you missed the time you usually take your atogepant dose by a couple of hours, take it when you remember. If it’s almost time for another pill, just skip the missed one and take your normal dose.
You’ll likely be fine if you accidentally double up an atogepant dose, but there’s not enough research to show how safe it is in the long run.
Can I Take Atogepant (Qulipta) With Other Migraine Medicines?
Atogepant is designed to prevent migraines. But it may not stop them entirely. It’s OK to take another migraine drug if you’re on atogepant, just be sure to clear it with your doctor first.
Rimegepant (Nurtec) and ubrogepant (Ubrelvy) are migraine medicines that treat migraines as they happen. You’re supposed to take them in the moment to stop the headache. Both of these medications block the same protein that atogepant does.
Does Atogepant (Qulipta) Cause Weight Gain?
Research has not shown this. Some people who took the drug have actually lost weight.
In clinical trials, 4.9% of people taking 60 milligrams of atogepant lost at least 7% of their body weight. That’s about 14 pounds for someone who weighs 200 pounds. Also, 2.8% of those taking 10 milligrams and 3.2% of those taking 30 milligrams lost at least 7% of their body weight, compared to 2.8% taking a placebo.
The weight loss could be in part because the drug can cut your appetite and make you nauseated. If you’re trying to gain weight or are underweight, talk to your doctor about how best to manage your weight on atogepant.
How Long Does Atogepant (Qulipta) Take to Work?
The maker of atogepant says it takes your body about 1-2 hours to fully absorb the drug into your bloodstream.
Your doctor will want to watch how you react to atogepant for a period of time to see if the drug is working, or if side effects are so severe that you should take a lower dose. This monitoring period can last from 2 weeks to 2 months.
How Much Does Atogepant (Qulipta) Cost?
Atogepant has been available since October of 2021. The list price of a 30-day supply of the drug is $1,045, according to the manufacturer’s website.
If you qualify for Medicare’s low-income subsidy, you may pay $10.35 for a 30-day supply, depending on your eligibility. If you have insurance through your job, you can take part in a Qulipta savings program that may completely cover the cost of an atogepant prescription.
Will Insurance Cover Atogepant (Qulipta)?
Health coverage from employers, educational institutions, or the government might cover atogepant as long as you’ve tried two other, older migraine treatments, such as beta-blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, or anti-seizure medicines.
If other treatments don’t help ease your migraines or cause very serious side effects, insurance providers are more likely to cover your atogepant prescription.
How Should I Stop Taking Atogepant (Qulipta)?
You may need to stop atogepant for various reasons. You may find the side effects unmanageable, feel like you don’t need it anymore, or plan to get pregnant.
Your doctor will work with you on the best ways to stop taking atogepant. Usually, quitting cold turkey is OK.
