What You Should Know About Qulipta Side Effects

Every medication has potential side effects, and Qulipta (Atogepant) is no exception. The good news is that most people tolerate Qulipta well, and serious side effects are uncommon. But it's important to know what to watch for — especially when you're just starting treatment.

This guide covers the common and serious side effects of Qulipta, who may be more at risk, and when it's time to call your doctor.

What Is Qulipta? A Quick Overview

Qulipta is an oral CGRP receptor antagonist used for the preventive treatment of both episodic and chronic migraine in adults. Unlike injectable CGRP medications like Aimovig, Ajovy, or Emgality, Qulipta is a daily pill. It works by blocking calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptors in the brain, which helps prevent migraine attacks before they start. Learn more about how Qulipta works.

Common Side Effects of Qulipta

In clinical trials, the most frequently reported side effects were mild to moderate and often improved over the first few weeks of treatment:

• Nausea — Reported in about 5-9% of patients. This is the most common side effect and is usually mild. Taking Qulipta with food may help.
• Constipation — Affects roughly 6-8% of patients. Staying hydrated and eating high-fiber foods can help manage this.
• Fatigue or sleepiness — About 4-5% of patients notice tiredness, especially in the first few weeks.
• Decreased appetite — Reported in 2-3% of patients.
• Dizziness — Occurs in about 2-3% of patients.

These side effects are generally temporary. Many patients find they fade after the first month of treatment. If they persist or bother you, talk to your doctor — a dose adjustment (Qulipta is available in 10 mg, 30 mg, and 60 mg doses) may help.

Serious Side Effects: When to Call Your Doctor

Serious side effects from Qulipta are rare, but they can happen. Contact your doctor right away — or seek emergency medical care — if you experience any of the following:

• Allergic reactions — Hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. These are signs of a hypersensitivity reaction and require immediate medical attention.
• High blood pressure — Some patients have experienced elevated blood pressure while taking Qulipta. Your doctor may want to monitor your blood pressure, especially when starting treatment.
• Raynaud's phenomenon — Numbness, tingling, or color changes in your fingers or toes, especially in cold temperatures.
• Liver enzyme elevations — Signs may include unusual fatigue, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or upper right abdominal pain. Your doctor may order blood tests to check liver function.

Qulipta does not carry a boxed warning (the FDA's most serious safety warning), which distinguishes it from some other migraine medications.

Special Populations: Who Should Be Extra Cautious

Certain groups should use Qulipta with extra caution or may need dose adjustments:

• Pregnant or planning to become pregnant — Qulipta may harm a developing fetus. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits if you're pregnant or planning pregnancy.
• Breastfeeding — It's unknown whether Qulipta passes into breast milk. Discuss this with your doctor.
• Kidney problems — For episodic migraine patients with severe kidney impairment or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), the dose should be reduced to 10 mg daily. For chronic migraine, Qulipta should be avoided in severe renal impairment and ESRD.
• Liver problems — No dose adjustment is needed for mild to moderate liver impairment. Patients with severe liver impairment being treated for chronic migraine should avoid Qulipta.
• Children and teens — Qulipta is not approved for use in patients under 18.

How to Manage Side Effects

If you're experiencing side effects, here are some practical tips:

• For nausea — Try taking Qulipta with a meal or snack. Avoid heavy, greasy foods around the time you take your dose.
• For constipation — Drink plenty of water, eat high-fiber foods, and stay physically active. An over-the-counter stool softener may help if needed.
• For fatigue — Consider taking Qulipta at bedtime instead of in the morning. Give your body a few weeks to adjust.
• For dizziness — Stand up slowly, especially when getting out of bed. Avoid driving until you know how Qulipta affects you.
• Talk to your doctor about dose changes — If side effects persist, your doctor may lower your dose. Qulipta is available in 10 mg, 30 mg, and 60 mg strengths.

Never stop taking Qulipta without talking to your doctor first. If you do need to discontinue, your doctor can guide you through the process.

Final Thoughts

Most people who take Qulipta tolerate it well. The most common side effects — nausea, constipation, and fatigue — are usually mild and tend to improve over time. Serious side effects are rare but worth knowing about so you can act quickly if something doesn't feel right.

If you're considering Qulipta for migraine prevention, the benefits often outweigh the risks for many patients. Talk to your doctor about whether it's right for you. And if you already have a prescription, use Medfinder to find a pharmacy with Qulipta in stock.

For more on Qulipta, explore our guides on drug interactions, saving money on your prescription, and finding a prescriber near you.