Qulipta Side Effects: What to Know (2024)

Man presents with nausea, drowsiness, looks tired, migraine medication side effects

Qulipta is a brand-name oral tablet prescribed for migraine prevention. Qulipta contains the active drug atogepant. Due to the common use, many patients want to investigate some of the common side effects and concerns they might be experiencing during use. This includes some patients having reported higher blood pressure, hair loss, depression, weight loss, constipation, and more. These side effects can be widely varying and uncertain for patients if it’s directly connected.

Key Takeaways

  • More common side effects of Qulipta are nausea, constipation, decreased appetite, constipation, and drowsiness.

  • Less common side effects include increased liver enzymes, weight loss, and hair loss due to combinations of other drugs that might be used along with Qulipta.

Before taking Qulipta, here are the side effects that you should know about.

Common Side Effects

More common side effects from Qulipta:

1. Nausea

Some patients experience nausea. Nausea is a type of diffuse sensation of unease. And general discomfort in the stomach. Sometimes perceived as an urge to vomit. While not painful, it can be a debilitating symptom if prolonged and has been described as placing discomfort on the chest, abdomen, or back of the throat.

2. Constipation

While not usually experienced in patients who aren’t on higher doses of Qulipta, constipation can occur. Constipation is a type of bowel dysfunction that makes bowel movements infrequent or more difficult to completely pass. The stool is often hard and dry, which causes the problems. Other symptoms from constipation may include abdominal pain, bloating, and feeling as if one has not completely passed the bowel movement.

3. Fatigue

Some patients who take Qulipta experience issues of fatigue. Fatigue describes a state of tiredness, exhaustion or general loss of energy. Fatigue is sometimes associated with medical conditions including autoimmune disease, organ failure, chronic pain conditions, mood disorders, heart disease, infectious diseases, and post-infectious-disease states. However, in this case, it’s most likely a result of the new medication being taken.

4. Poor appetite

In some cases, Qulipta has been known to decrease a patient's appetite levels, causing them to feel like they don’t need to consume as much food. While this isn’t a serious issue, it can also cause additional problems when a patient is feeling nausea or fatigue and isn’t eating appropriately.

5. Dizziness

Some patients describe experiencing dizziness as part of their Qulipta prescription. Dizziness, as a general side effect, is usually felt among at least 30% of patients on all types of prescriptions. Making it a very common side effect. Dizziness is an imprecise term that can refer to a sense of disorientation in space, vertigo, or lightheadedness.

6. Drowsiness

Drowsiness is usually a combination of fatigue and loss of appetite. The feeling of being “drowsy” while on Qulipta can be a symptom of it being a new medication. This may last for only a short period of time while your body gets acquainted with the new medication.

7. Weight loss

Weight loss is a side effect of the loss of appetite. If a patient isn’t able to get their appetite in control, it can cause issues with weight loss that might be unexpected or undesired.

Less Common Side Effects

Here are some less common side effects with Qulipta:

1. Increased liver enzymes

Some patients have reported increased liver enzyme levels during their treatment plants with Qulipta. Increased liver enzymes may indicate some liver damage. This side effect was not common in clinical trials of Qulipta, however, it was reported amongst some patients who have taken the drug.

It is important to note that people who developed increased liver enzymes in trials had no symptoms of prior liver problems, indicating that it may be directly connected to the use of the drug.

Symptoms of liver damage may include:

  • jaundice

  • nausea

  • vomiting

  • abdominal pain

2. Allergic reactions

Qulipta has been known to cause an allergic reaction in some patients. Clinical trials did not report allergic reaction as a side effect. However, it was reported after the drug became available on the market and continued use amongst patients.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

  • skin rash

  • itching

  • flushing

  • hives

  • swelling under your skin, typically in your lips, eyelids, feet, or hands

  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

  • facial swelling

  • difficulty breathing

This is a general allergic reaction to a drug. And the resolution should be a discontinued use of the drug until you can get the allergic reactions in order. It’s best to speak with your primary care physician and inform them of your allergic reaction so that you can find an alternative path for treatment.

Common Questions about Qulipta Side Effects

Here are some common questions about Qulipta side effects:

Does Qulipta cause hair loss?

During clinical trials of Qulipta, there was no experienced hair loss from the use of the drug. However, other drugs on the market when used in combination with Qulipta may cause hair loss. Topamax (topiramate), as an example, may cause hair loss.

If you notice hair loss during your treatment with Qulipta, tell your primary care physician. This can help them determine what may be causing your hair loss and determine an alternative treatment plan.

Is dizziness a side effect of Qulipta?

Yes, dizziness is generally a common side effect amongst 30% of prescription medications that are available on the market. In addition, it was a reported side effect in Qulipta’s clinical trials. This side effect occurred more often in people taking the 60-mg dose of the drug than people taking lower doses. 

Is Qulipta a narcotic?

The answer is no. Qulipta (atogepant) isn't considered to be a narcotic. Narcotic drugs typically refer to opioid medications. Qulipta (atogepant) isn't an opioid pain medication. Instead, it belongs to a class of medications called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor blockers.

Do Qulipta’s side effects vary based on a 10mg, 30mg, 60mg dose?

Usually, higher doses of any prescription medication will increase your chances of experiencing more side effects. Meaning, yes, the side effects with a higher dose of Qulipta will vary when compared to lower doses. 

Does Qulipta cause high blood pressure?

Based on patients that we found in a thread on Reddit, one patient said, “No side effects and much fewer migraines for me. I’ve lost 2 lbs but I think it’s water. No more swelling in my fingers when I wake up in the mornings. When I tried the injectable it caused high blood pressure. I was worried the Qulipta would cause high blood pressure but it has not.”

In general, high blood pressure is not a side effect of the drug that was found during clinical trials. However, it’s not uncommon for a drug to see more side effects listed the longer that its been in the market.

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Sources

  1. AbbVie Inc. (n.d.). QULIPTA (atogepant) prescribing information. Retrieved July 28, 2024, from https://www.rxabbvie.com/pdf/QULIPTA_pi.pdf

  2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). QULIPTA (atogepant) label. Retrieved July 28, 2024, from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/215206Orig1s000lbl.pdf


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The content on this page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice. Patients should not use the information presented on this page for diagnosing a health-related issue or disease. Before taking any medication or supplements, patients should always consult a physician or qualified healthcare professional for medical advice or information about whether a drug is safe, appropriate or effective.