Does Qulipta cause weight loss?

In this article:

• Can Qulipta cause weight loss?
• Why might Qulipta weight loss happen?
• Common Qulipta side effects
• What to do about Qulipta weight loss

In this article

• Can Qulipta cause weight loss?
• Why might Qulipta weight loss happen?
• Common Qulipta side effects
• What to do about Qulipta weight loss

Qulipta (atogepant) is a prescription drug FDA approved to prevent migraine attacks in adults. Qulipta works as a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonist that blocks the effects of the CGRP protein, believed to trigger migraines. What some people taking Qulipta may be surprised by is that they shed some weight while taking it. While that change can be unsettling to many people, others might welcome it. Still, Qulipta isn’t approved for weight loss and shouldn’t be used solely for that purpose.

Can Qulipta cause weight loss?

Yes, clinical trials show that Qulipta causes weight loss more often than placebo pills. One analysis looked at five clinical trials with over 2,000 adults who had either episodic or chronic migraine. 

In 12-week trials, people with episodic migraine on a 60-mg dose of Qulipta lost about 1% of body weight, while those with chronic migraine lost around 1.5%. On the other side, those taking a placebo experienced weight gain of around 0.5% and 0.1%, respectively.

In the longer studies, the effect was more noticeable. By around nine months, people on Qulipta had lost close to 2% of their starting weight. A higher percentage of people taking Qulipta had significant weight loss, or around 7% or more of their body weight, than those taking a placebo.

Percentage of patients with 7% or more weight loss by dose

• 60 mg once daily: 4.9% 
• 30 mg once daily: 3.2% 
• 10 mg once daily: 3.8%
• Placebo: 2.5% 

For someone who weighs 150 pounds, losing 7% of body weight means losing almost 11 pounds. That kind of drop could be a lot for someone trying to manage their weight. While the research shows that Qulipta can lead to modest, gradual weight loss, it’s important to remember that it isn’t meant to be a weight-loss drug.

Why might Qulipta weight loss happen?

There’s no definitive reason why Qulipta leads to weight loss. However, it may just come down to a mix of factors, including some of its side effects. 

Direct effects on appetite

Up to 3% of people taking Qulipta may experience decreased appetite. When you’re not hungry, you eat less or even skip meals, which could mean fewer calories. It can also change the timing of your eating patterns, such as having an earlier or later dinner, which may lead to gradual weight loss.

Nausea and stomach problems

Up to 9% get nausea on Qulipta. If your stomach’s off, you’re not going to want to eat much. Most people avoid food when they feel sick to their stomach. For some people, this side effect is enough to change their eating habits. Constipation is another possible side effect that can make you feel full and uninterested in food.

Dosage and long-term use

People on higher doses of Qulipta, like a 60-mg oral tablet, tend to lose more weight than those on lower doses, such as a 10-mg pill. The longer you take it, the more noticeable the effect can be. Studies show that weight loss can add up slowly over months. For some, that can turn into a real, visible change over time.

Researchers don’t know for sure why Qulipta causes weight loss, but it seems to be linked to side effects and how long you take it. For most people, the change is small, but for some it can be more noticeable.

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Common Qulipta side effects

Qulipta comes with various side effects that are important to be aware of before starting. The most common side effects of Qulipta include:

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Sleepiness
• Dizziness
• Decreased or loss of appetite

More serious side effects are possible while taking Qulipta. These include allergic reactions with swelling, hives, rash, or trouble breathing. It can also raise blood pressure and worsen existing high blood pressure. In some cases, it may affect circulation, causing fingers or toes to feel cold or numb and change color (Raynaud’s phenomenon).

In most cases, the incidence of side effects can increase with a higher daily dose of Qulipta. If you’re experiencing any unwanted side effects, check the prescribing information and consult a healthcare provider about a potential dosage change. Seek immediate medical help for any severe side effects.

What to do about Qulipta weight loss

Contact your healthcare provider if you notice unexpected weight loss while taking Qulipta. A medical professional can look at whether the medication is causing the changes. Many factors can affect weight besides prescription medication. These include stress, other health problems, and over-the-counter supplements. 

Steps to take if you suspect weight loss on Qulipta: 

• Track your weight weekly and write down any changes. 
• Watch your appetite and eating habits. 
• Note other symptoms like nausea or fatigue. 
• Keep a food diary to show a healthcare professional.
• Consider other treatment options.

In some cases, your healthcare provider might suggest taking Qulipta with food to reduce nausea. They could also adjust your dosage or timing. 

If weight loss is bothersome, you may want to consider an alternative to Qulipta. These alternatives include other CGRP antagonists, such as Emgality (galcanezumab), Nurtec ODT (rimegepant), and Ubrelvy (ubrogepant). Other options like Depakote (divalproex) and Topamax (topiramate) may be helpful for the preventive treatment of migraine. 

Don’t stop taking your migraine medication without getting medical advice first. Stopping suddenly could bring back your migraine headaches.