Qulipta side effects and how to avoid them

In this article:

• Common side effects
• Compare Qulipta side effects by dose
• Serious side effects of Qulipta
• How soon may side effects start?
• How long do side effects last?
• Are there long-term side effects?
• Qulipta drug interactions
• Safety measures while using Qulipta
• How to avoid side effects
• How to treat side effects

In this article

• Common side effects
• Compare Qulipta side effects by dose
• Serious side effects of Qulipta
• How soon may side effects start?
• How long do side effects last?
• Are there long-term side effects?
• Qulipta drug interactions
• Safety measures while using Qulipta
• How to avoid side effects
• How to treat side effects

Qulipta (atogepant) is a brand-name drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a preventive treatment for migraines, including both episodic migraines and chronic migraines. Qulipta is similar to Nurtec ODT in that both are in the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist drug class. Clinical studies confirm the benefits of Qulipta as a migraine treatment. With that said, it can have side effects.

Common side effects of Qulipta

Nausea, constipation, and fatigue or sleepiness are the most common possible side effects of Qulipta, according to the FDA, and they’re more common in women. Those symptoms (plus decreased appetite) were assessed in clinical trials. The FDA label shared the following information:

Nausea

Five percent of 10 mg Qulipta users experienced nausea, as well as 6% of 30 mg users and 9% of 60 mg users. This is compared to the placebo users, in which 3% experienced nausea.

Constipation 

Six percent of 10 mg Qulipta users, 6% of 30 mg users, and 8% of 60 mg users experienced constipation. This is compared to 2% of placebo users.

Fatigue or somnolence

Four percent of 10 mg Qulipta users, 4% of 30 mg users, and 5% of 60 mg users experienced fatigue or somnolence. This is compared to the placebo users, in which 4% experienced fatigue or somnolence.

Decreased appetite

Two percent of 10 mg Qulipta users, 1% of 30 mg users, and 3% of 60 mg users experienced a decreased appetite. This is compared to the placebo users, in which less than 1% experienced a decreased appetite.

Dizziness

Two percent of 10 mg Qulipta users experienced dizziness, as well as 2% of 30 mg users and 3% of 60 mg users. This is compared to the placebo users, in which 2% experienced dizziness.

Compare Qulipta side effects by dose
Dose	Nausea	Constipation	Fatigue or somnolence	Decreased appetite	Dizziness
10 mg	5%	6%	4%	2%	2%
30 mg	6%	6%	4%	1%	2%
60 mg	9%	8%	5%	3%	3%
Placebo pill	3%	2%	4%	<1%	2%

Percentages reflect the proportion of people who reported each side effect in clinical trials. Source: FDA

Knowing these adverse reactions are possible with Qulipta is especially important because they’re common to other medications, too. “I had one patient that started with Qulipta and Ozempic at the same time, and because both of the medications share some of the same side effects (nausea and vomiting) I was tricked into thinking it was the Ozempic until I figured it out and it was the Qulipta,” says Hany Demian, MD, a pain management healthcare provider and CEO at BioSpine Institute.

RELATED: Does Qulipta cause weight loss?

Serious side effects of Qulipta

Qulipta can cause severe side effects, too, such as allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, according to the FDA label. 

Mild symptoms of an allergic reaction include itching, hives, and a small rash. Some people may have symptoms of a serious allergic reaction to Qulipta, which can be life-threatening. Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, and trouble breathing are signs of a serious allergic reaction. These signs constitute a medical emergency, in which the patient should immediately seek medical attention. 

Clinical trial data on these side effects were not included, but real-life consumers have had them (and others). “Most of my patients on Qulipta are able to tolerate the common and mild side effects like nausea, vomiting, and constipation,” Dr. Demian says. “Probably one-third to one-fourth of my patients can’t tolerate the more serious side effects like chest pain, allergic reactions, and liver or kidney function elevation.”

How soon do Qulipta side effects start?

“Qulipta side effects are fast and furious,” Dr. Demian says. “They could happen in the first few days of taking it.”

The timing also depends on the specific effect. “Usually, a hypersensitive reaction happens in minutes,” says Noor Yono, MD, a neurologist and the medical director of Premier Neurology and Wellness Center. More common side effects, however, may develop over a few days, she adds.

How long do Qulipta side effects last?

Unfortunately, there’s no quick and easy answer here. “Some side effects will subside in a few days or right after you stop the medication, and some are like an unwanted friend, stubborn and will last for weeks to months,” Dr. Demian says.

Again, it partially depends on the specific symptom. He says low-grade fever, nausea, vomiting, and constipation usually subside, whereas liver enzymes, kidney function, a racing heart rate, and wheezy lung issues can last longer and may become severe.

Put another way: “In regard to the more common side effects, they might last for a period of one to two weeks, but possibly could continue for as long as the medicine is being used if the body does not adjust to this new medication,” Dr. Yono says.

What are the long-term side effects of Qulipta?

Neither doctor has seen nor is aware of any long-term side effects of Qulipta. The longest Dr. Demian has seen a side effect last is five to six months.

“But it is dose-dependent,” he adds. “I usually don’t go high on the dose for patients.”

Qulipta drug interactions

Drug interactions for Qulipta include concomitant use of the following: 

• CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as itraconazole): This combination can cause an increase in exposure of atogepant, according to the FDA.
• CYP3A4 inducers (such as rifampin): This combination can cause a decrease in exposure of atogepant.
• OATP inhibitors (such as rifampin): Like CYP3A4 inhibitors, this drug class, plus Qulipta, can cause an increase in atogepant exposure. 

This list is not comprehensive, which emphasizes the need for patients to seek medical advice and ask questions.

Safety measures while using Qulipta

Qulipta has no contraindications (other than people who are allergic to its ingredients, of course), has no black box warnings, and has not been recalled, according to the FDA. However, there’s insufficient evidence to indicate whether Qulipta is safe and effective for pregnant women, children, or seniors. Additionally, no data is available that indicates whether atogepant can get into breast milk. So, these populations should assess their needs and risks with a medical provider and take special care when considering or taking this prescription medicine.

There are set exceptions for people with kidney failure and pregnancy. “With kidney failure, a smaller dose is preferred,” Dr. Yono says. Specifically, the FDA recommends a 10 mg dose for patients with severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease.

Even people who don’t fit into those categories need to take caution before and during Qulipta use. It’s important to note that Qulipta can exacerbate other medical conditions and issues, namely liver disease or liver problems, kidney disease (which comes before kidney failure) or kidney problems, and heart and lung conditions, according to Dr. Demian. 

Some good news, though, is that Qulipta is not habit-forming and will not cause withdrawal symptoms, according to both doctors.

“That being said, I tend not to stop any medication abruptly, and like to take my time in stopping any medication,” Dr. Demian adds.

There’s no specific information about what a Qulipta overdose could look like, but if you or a loved one takes more than prescribed, seek medical help immediately. 

How to avoid Qulipta side effects

Dr. Demian advises the following:

1. People with liver disease, severe kidney problems, an allergy to a similar medication, severe anxiety, a racing heartbeat, or a severe lung condition should avoid Qulipta entirely.
2. Take the medication daily; it is not a “take as needed” medicine.
3. Take Qulipta with food. 
4. Patients can take Qulipta at any time of day, but it must be at the same time every day. Dr. Demian encourages taking it before bed to avoid nausea, dizziness, and anxiety.

There’s no one way for every person to avoid the risk of side effects, though, so some precautions must be customized to the individual patient. Dr. Yono gives the same example as Dr. Demian: taking the medication at night if it causes nausea.

At the same time, she says, “It is a well-tolerated medication in a majority of cases.”

How to treat side effects of Qulipta

To treat Qulipta’s side effects, a patient first needs to know what they are and how bad they are for them specifically. If the effects are mild and tolerable, Dr. Demian suggests adjusting the dose and taking it at bedtime. 

Dr. Yono says more common and short-lived side effects don’t require treatment. If they last longer, like days or weeks, she recommends considering stopping the medication (after talking to a healthcare provider, of course).

If the medicine causes hypersensitivity reactions or other serious side effects, both providers urge people to stop taking the medication completely. There may be a Qulipta alternative that’s more appropriate.

Bottom line 

Doctors agree that Qulipta is generally safe, but people with certain medical conditions may want to be especially careful when taking Qulipta, if at all, after discussing it with their healthcare provider. 

If your insurance doesn’t cover Qulipta or your copay is too high, there are ways to save. Qulipta without insurance costs about $1,600 for 30, 60 mg tablets. If you present your SingleCare prescription discount card or Qulipta coupon at checkout, you could save about $600 and pay $1,018 instead, depending on your choice of pharmacy. The SingleCare app makes it easy to compare prices at pharmacies near you as well. 

The SingleCare prices in this article are the most accurate at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of Jan. 28, 2026. Prices vary by pharmacy. Visit our Qulipta coupon page for updated Qulipta prices near you.