What is Qulipta and How Does It Work?
Qulipta (atogepant) is an oral prescription medication used for the preventive treatment of episodic and chronic migraine in adults. It is a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist. CGRP is a protein linked to migraine pain and inflammation. Qulipta works by blocking the CGRP receptor, which helps reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
How Long Can You Be on Qulipta?
Qulipta is approved for long-term, once-daily use. If it is safe and effective for you, long-term use is likely. The duration of treatment is determined individually by a patient and their doctor, based on factors such as how well the medication reduces migraine days, side effects, treatment goals, and medical history.
Evidence from Long-Term Studies
Clinical trials support the long-term use of Qulipta. An ongoing study is evaluating its safety for up to three years. Interim results at 48 and 52 weeks show sustained effectiveness and a consistent safety profile without new safety concerns. Approximately 70% of patients on 60 mg daily experienced at least a 50% reduction in monthly migraine days, maintained over 48 weeks. Most side effects were mild to moderate, and discontinuation rates due to side effects were low. These studies support Qulipta for long-term prevention of both episodic and chronic migraines.
Comparison of Migraine Preventive Medications
Qulipta is one of several CGRP inhibitors for migraine prevention. The best choice depends on individual patient needs.
| Medication | Class | Administration | Dosing Frequency (for Prevention) | Approved Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qulipta (atogepant) | Oral CGRP Antagonist (Gepant) | Oral Tablet | Once Daily | Preventive treatment of episodic & chronic migraine |
| Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) | Oral CGRP Antagonist (Gepant) | Orally Disintegrating Tablet | Every Other Day | Acute treatment of migraine & preventive treatment of episodic migraine |
| Ubrelvy (ubrogepant) | Oral CGRP Antagonist (Gepant) | Oral Tablet | As needed | Acute treatment of migraine |
| Aimovig, Ajovy, Emgality | Injectable CGRP mAb | Subcutaneous Injection | Monthly or Quarterly | Preventive treatment of migraine |
| Topiramate, Propranolol | Anticonvulsant, Beta-Blocker | Oral Tablet | Daily | Preventive treatment of migraine |
Potential Side Effects of Long-Term Use
Long-term studies indicate Qulipta is generally well-tolerated. Common side effects are often mild and may lessen over time.
Most Common Side Effects (≥4% in clinical trials):
- Nausea (5-9%)
- Constipation (6-8%)
- Fatigue/Sleepiness (4-5%)
Less common side effects can include decreased appetite, weight loss, and dizziness. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible. Patients with severe kidney or liver problems should consult their doctor, as dosage adjustments or alternative treatments may be needed.
Discontinuing Qulipta
Any decision to stop Qulipta should be made with a healthcare provider. While some CGRP antibodies have suggested treatment breaks, stopping often leads to increased migraine frequency. Qulipta is not considered habit-forming and withdrawal symptoms are not expected, though medical supervision is recommended for discontinuation. The risk of medication overuse headache is low with Qulipta compared to other acute treatments.
Conclusion
Qulipta is intended for long-term daily migraine prevention. Clinical data up to a year and beyond demonstrate sustained effectiveness and a consistent safety profile. The duration of use is a joint decision between patient and doctor, weighing benefits against side effects. Qulipta offers a potential long-term option for managing chronic and episodic migraines.
For more information, you can visit the official manufacturer's patient website: Qulipta by AbbVie
