Pronunciation: kew-LIP-tah
Generic name: atogepant
Dosage form: oral tablet (10 mg, 30 mg, 60 mg)
Drug class: CGRP inhibitors
What is Qulipta?
Qulipta is used to help prevent episodic and chronic migraine headaches in adults. These are severe, throbbing headaches that sometimes are accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to sound or light. Qulipta is an oral tablet taken once a day.
Qulipta (atogepant) belongs to a class of medications called CGRP inhibitors.
Qulipta gained FDA approval on September 28, 2021. There is no Qulipta generic available.
How does Qulipta work?
Qulipta’s mechanism of action involves blocking the effect of CGRP, a small protein that is highly prevalent in the sensory nerves that supply the head and neck. CGRP is involved in pain transmission, inflammation, and blood vessel dilation, and research has shown that levels of CGRP increase during a migraine attack. It may also play a causative role in the initiation of migraine attacks. By blocking CGRP, Qulipta helps prevent migraine headaches (see How does Qulipta work? for more information).
Clinical trials have shown that Qulipta starts working within the first week of treatment. Research also shows a 54% reduction in monthly migraine days in patients with episodic migraine and a 36% reduction in patients with chronic migraine headaches .
Side effects
The most common side effects of Qulipta are:
- nausea
- constipation
- feeling tired or sleepy.
Serious side effects and warnings
Qulipta may cause the following serious side effects:
- Allergic (hypersensitivity) reactions, including anaphylaxis. Serious allergic reactions can happen when you take Qulipta or days after. Stop taking Qulipta and get emergency medical help right away if you get any of the following symptoms, which may be part of a serious allergic reaction:
- swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- itching
- trouble breathing
- hives
- rash.
- High blood pressure: High blood pressure or worsening of high blood pressure can happen when you take Qulipta. Contact your healthcare provider if you have an increase in blood pressure.
- Raynaud’s phenomenon: This is a type of circulation problem that can worsen or happen when you take Qulipta. Raynaud’s phenomenon can lead to your fingers or toes feeling numb, cool, or painful, or changing color from pale to blue to red. Contact your healthcare provider if these symptoms occur.
This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
Before taking this medicine
Do not take Qulipta if you are allergic to atogepant, Qulipta, or any of the inactive ingredients in the tablets.
To make sure Qulipta is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis)
- liver disease
- are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Qulipta is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
Pregnancy
In animal trials, Qulipta caused pregnancy problems such as low birth weight or birth defects. It is not known if these effects could occur in humans. Ask your doctor about the risk.
Having migraine headaches during pregnancy may increase the risk of dangerously high blood pressure that can lead to medical problems in both mother and baby. The benefit of preventing migraines may outweigh any risk. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
Breastfeeding
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
How should I take Qulipta?
Take Qulipta exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
- Qulipta is usually taken 1 time daily.
- You may take Qulipta with or without food.
- The dosage of Qulipta depends on what other medications you are currently taking.
Qulipta dosing
Usual Qulipta Adult Dose for Episodic Migraine Prophylaxis:
- Qulipta 10 mg, 30 mg, or 60 mg orally once a day.
- The specific dosage depends on how often you get migraines.
- The dosage may need adjusting in severe liver or kidney disease and in those taking interacting medicines.
Usual Qulipta Adult Dose for Chronic Migraine Prophylaxis:
- Qulipta 60 mg orally once a day.
Qulipta dosage adjustments
Dosage adjustments are needed when Qulipta is taken with certain other medications and for people with severe kidney disease. The table below outlines the recommended Qulipta dosing modifications for drug interactions and specific populations.
| Interacting Drug or Condition | Recommended Episodic Migraine Once-Daily Dosage | Recommended Chronic Migraine Once-Daily Dosage |
| Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors (eg, itraconazole, erythromycin) | 10mg | Avoid use |
| Strong, Moderate, or Weak CYP3A4 Inducers (eg, rifampicin) | 30 mg or 60 mg | Avoid use |
| OATP Inhibitors (eg, cyclosporine, gemfibrozil) | 10 mg or 60 mg | 30 mg |
| Severe Renal Impairment and End-Stage Renal Disease (CLcr <30 mL/min) | 10 mg | Avoid use |
Qulipta cost
The cost of Qulipta depends on your insurance and the pharmacy you use. With the Qulipta Complete Savings Card, eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0.
This Qulipta co-pay assistance program is not available to patients receiving prescription reimbursement under Medicare [including Part D], Medicare Advantage, Medigap, Medicaid, TRICARE, Department of Defense, or Veterans Affairs programs, or where prohibited by law. Call 1-855-QULIPTA for additional information.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line .
What should I avoid while taking Qulipta?
Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
What other drugs will affect Qulipta?
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect atogepant, especially:
- cyclosporine;
- St. John’s wort;
- an antibiotic such as clarithromycin or rifampin;
- antifungal medicine such as itraconazole or ketoconazole;
- antiviral medicine to treat HIV, such as efavirenz or etravirine; or
- seizure medicine such as carbamazepine or phenytoin.
This list is not complete, and many other drugs may affect Qulipta. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Qulipta ingredients
Active ingredient: atogepant
Inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone vinyl acetate copolymer, sodium chloride, sodium stearyl fumarate, and vitamin E polyethylene glycol succinate.
Qulipta is supplied as 10 mg, 30 mg, and 60 mg tablets.
Storage
Store Qulipta at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Who makes Qulipta?
Qulipta (atogepant) is made by AbbVie, headquartered in North Chicago, Illinois.
Key medications in AbbVie’s portfolio include:
- Humira (arthritis, psoriasis)
- Botox (cosmetic and therapeutic uses)
- Vraylar (schizophrenia, bipolar)
- Rinvoq (arthritis)
- Skyrizi (psoriasis)
- Ubrelvy (migraine).
