Qulipta Side Effects: What to Know (2024)

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.