Can't get Qulipta? Explore the best alternatives for migraine prevention in 2026, including Nurtec, Aimovig, Ajovy, and Emgality.
If you can't fill your Qulipta prescription — whether it's because of availability issues, insurance problems, cost, or side effects — you still have options. Several other medications work similarly to prevent migraines, and your doctor can help you find the right fit.
In this guide, we'll explain what Qulipta is, how it works, and walk you through four proven alternatives for migraine prevention.
Qulipta (Atogepant) is a prescription medication made by AbbVie for the preventive treatment of episodic and chronic migraine in adults. It was approved by the FDA in September 2021.
Qulipta is an oral tablet taken once daily, available in 10 mg, 30 mg, and 60 mg strengths. It costs approximately $1,200 to $1,600 per month without insurance, and most plans require prior authorization for coverage.
For more details about Qulipta, including dosage and what to expect, see our guide: What Is Qulipta? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know.
Qulipta belongs to a class of drugs called CGRP receptor antagonists (also known as gepants). CGRP stands for calcitonin gene-related peptide — a protein in your brain that plays a major role in triggering migraines.
During a migraine, CGRP levels spike, causing blood vessels to dilate and nerves to become inflamed, which leads to the throbbing pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light that migraine sufferers know all too well.
Qulipta works by blocking CGRP receptors, preventing CGRP from doing its job. This helps reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks before they start. For a deeper dive, read: How Does Qulipta Work? Mechanism of Action Explained.
Nurtec ODT is the closest alternative to Qulipta. Like Qulipta, it's an oral CGRP receptor antagonist (gepant), but with one key difference: Nurtec is approved for both acute migraine treatment and prevention.
For prevention, Nurtec is taken as a 75 mg orally disintegrating tablet every other day. For acute treatment, it's taken as needed when a migraine strikes.
Key facts about Nurtec ODT:
Nurtec may be a good option if you want a single medication that can both prevent migraines and treat breakthrough attacks.
Aimovig was the first FDA-approved CGRP treatment for migraine prevention. Unlike Qulipta, Aimovig is a monthly self-injection rather than a daily pill.
Aimovig works by targeting the CGRP receptor directly (similar to Qulipta), but it uses a monoclonal antibody that stays active in your body for about a month.
Key facts about Aimovig:
Aimovig is a good choice if you prefer a once-monthly injection over a daily pill and don't mind self-injecting.
Ajovy is another injectable CGRP antibody for migraine prevention. What makes Ajovy unique is its flexible dosing schedule — you can choose between monthly or quarterly injections.
Key facts about Ajovy:
Ajovy's quarterly dosing option is ideal if you want to minimize how often you need to think about your migraine prevention treatment.
Emgality is a monthly injectable CGRP antibody that targets the CGRP molecule itself (rather than the receptor). It's also the only CGRP treatment approved for both migraine prevention and episodic cluster headache.
Key facts about Emgality:
Emgality may be worth considering if you also experience cluster headaches in addition to migraines.
The best alternative depends on your individual situation. Here are some questions to discuss with your doctor:
Not being able to fill your Qulipta prescription is frustrating, but the good news is that migraine prevention has more options than ever. Whether you try another oral gepant like Nurtec ODT or switch to an injectable CGRP antibody like Aimovig, Ajovy, or Emgality, your doctor can help you find an effective alternative.
Before switching, try using Medfinder to check if Qulipta is available at other pharmacies near you. You can also read our guide on how to find Qulipta in stock for more tips.
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