What Is Qulipta?
Qulipta (atogepant) is a medication used to prevent chronic migraines. It works by blocking a protein called CGRP; which plays a role in causing migraine headaches. Qulipta helps lower the frequency and severity of migraines by reducing CGRP activity. It’s taken as a pill once daily.
Efficiency Of Qulipta
Clinical trials have show us its efficacy and safety.
- Efficacy in Reducing Monthly Migraine Days: In a 12week study; patients taking 60 mg of Qulipta daily experienced a statistically significant reduction of 4.2 days in mean monthly migraine days and compared to a 1.85-day reduction in the placebo group.
- Achievement of ≥50% Reduction in Monthly Migraine Days: In the same study; 41% of patients on 60 mg Qulipta and 42.7% on 30 mg twice daily achieved at least a 50% reduction in monthly migraine days compared to 26% in the placebo group.
- Long-Term Efficacy: An interim analysis of a 156-week open-label study showed that 70% of participants achieved a ≥50% reduction in monthly migraine days at weeks 13 to 16 with this improvement maintained over 48 weeks.
- Safety Profile: Most common side effects reported in clinical trials were constipation (10% for 60 mg Qulipta), nausea (9.6% for 60 mg) and fatigue/somnolence.
What Are The Side Effects Of Qulipta?
Common Side Effects Of Qulipta
- Constipation:
- Incidence: About 10% of patients taking 60 mg of Qulipta daily experienced constipation.
- Details: This is the most frequently reported side effect and typically ranges from mild to moderate. Patients may need to adjust their diet or use a laxative if symptoms persist in some cases.
- Nausea:
- Incidence: Around 9.6% of patients taking the 60 mg dose reported nausea.
- Details: Nausea could be seen shortly after starting the medication but tends to resolve over time. Taking the medication with food might help alleviate this symptom.
- Fatigue/Somnolence:
- Incidence: Some patients reported feeling unusually tired or drowsy while on Qulipta.
- Details: This side effect is more commonly seen in the initial stages of treatment and generally improves as the body adjusts to the medication.
Less Common Side Effects Of Qulipta
- Upper Respiratory Tract Infections:
- These have been reported in a small percentage of patients. They are not seen as particularly common.
- Symptoms may include a sore throat, nasal congestion or coughing.
- Liver Enzyme Elevation:
- There were isolated reports of liver enzyme levels being elevated in some patients in clinical trials.
- Monitoring liver function may be recommended during long-term use. Especially if you have pre-existing liver conditions.
- Hypersensitivity Reactions:
- Patients may experience allergic reactions such as rashes, itching or swelling. Particularly in the face or throat which could signal an allergic response in rarely.
- Other Gastrointestinal Symptoms:
- Some patients have reported other mild gastrointestinal issues like as abdominal pain or discomfort in addition to nausea and constipation.
Serious Side Effects (Rare) Of Qulipta
- Severe Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis):
- Some patients may experience signs of severe allergic reactions like as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat and a rash though extremely rare.
- Signs of Liver Problems:
- Severe symptoms like persistent nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite or yellowing of the skin/eyes may indicate liver issues and it is important to get medical help if these seen.
What Are The Costs Of Qulipta?
Costs Of Qulipta Without Insurance:
- Retail Price: The list price for Qulipta (as of recent data) is generally around $1,200 to $1,500 per month for a 30-day supply (60 mg once daily).
Costs Of Qulipta With Insurance:
- Insurance Coverage: For those with insurance the out-of-pocket cost can be much lower but it change on the specifics of the insurance plan; deductibles, copays and coverage tiers. Some plans may cover a portion or all of the cost.
- Patients may pay between $50 to $300 per month.
Costs Of Qulipta With Patient Assistance Programs:
- Manufacturer’s Assistance: AbbVie (manufacturer of Qulipta) offers a patient assistance program for eligible patients who need help with the cost of their medication. This could significantly reduce the cost for those who qualify based on income or insurance status.
- Savings Cards: Patients may also have access to savings cards or coupons that can lower out-of-pocket costs significantly and often reducing the cost to $10 to $50 per month for eligible patients.
Online Pharmacy Pricing Of Qulipta:
- Discounted Prices: Some online pharmacies or mail-order services may offer discounted rates, which can lower the cost even further for those who don’t have insurance or have limited insurance coverage.
What Are The Dosages Of Qulipta?
Recommended dosages of qulipta;
- 30 mg; Taken once daily.
- 60 mg; Taken once daily.
- 120 mg; Taken once daily.
Dosing Guidelines:
- Usual starting dose is 60 mg once a day but the exact dose may change according to your doctor’s recommendation and response to the medication.
- Some patients may start with 30 mg daily. Especially if they experience side effects and can later increase to the 60 mg dose after assessing tolerance.
- The 120 mg dose is not the starting dose and your doctor will adjust it if necessary based on individual needs.
Important Points:
- Consistency: It’s essential to take Qulipta at the same time each day to help remember your dose.
- With or without food: It can be taken with or without food.
- Missed Dose: If you miss a dose of qulipta; take it as soon as you remember but skip the missed dose if it’s almost time for your next dose. Never take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
How To Properly Take Qulipta?
1. Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions
- Always take Qulipta exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Don’t change your dose without consulting them.
- Your doctor may adjust your dose according to how well you respond to the medication or any side effects you may experience.
2. How to Take It
- Oral Administration: Take Qulipta by mouth.
- With or Without Food: You can take Qulipta with or without food.
3. Timing
- Take It at the Same Time Every Day: Take Qulipta at the same time each day for make it easier to remember.
- Consistency: Establish a routine for example; taking the medication in the morning or at night for ensure you don’t forget it.
4. Missed Dose
- If you miss a dose; take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for your next dose.
- Don’t take two doses to make up for a missed one. This could cause to an overdose or unnecessary side effects.
5. Overdose
- In case of an overdose; get medical help immediately. Symptoms of overdose might increased risk of side effects or reactions.
- If you’re unsure how much you’ve taken or think you may have taken too much; contact your doctor or a poison control center right away.
6. Special Considerations
- Liver Function: If you have liver problems or other health conditions; your doctor may adjust your dose. Make sure to discuss your medical history with your doctor.
- Alcohol and Qulipta: There’s no specific restriction against alcohol but it’s always a good idea to limit alcohol consumption to avoid potential interactions or side effects like dizziness or drowsiness.
- Side Effects: As mentioned; if you experience any bothersome or severe side effects (like constipation, nausea or fatigue), consult your doctor.
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