Qulipta and weight loss: I switched to... - National Migraine...

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Qulipta and weight loss

Elizka profile image
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I switched to Qulipta 60 mg every day instead of a monthly injection of Aimovig after a significant uptick in migraines following an ablation for AFIB.

I noticed my appetite was curbed about 30 days after starting the medication, but it wasn't until I weighted myself and I was down 6 pounds did I connect the dots.

Anyone else here notice weight loss with Qulipta? I'm happy with maybe another 5-7 pounds, but not more than that.

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Elizka profile image
Elizka
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troy04 profile image
troy04

In the UK (where I live), Qulipta (atogepant) has not been approved through our health system (NHS / Nice). We only have access to Vydura (Rimegepant), that too under restricted criteria.

The Patient Information Leaflet of Qulipta does not mention decreased appetite / decreased weight as possible side effects (see attached). However, other sources do suggest decreased appetite / decreased weight as a "less common side effects" of Qulipta.

If Qulipta is effective in your case, the only thing I can suggest is to discuss with your doctor (not pharmacist) whether you can take Amitriptyline 25mg/day as well. Amitriptyline will increase appetite and hopefully resolve the weight problem.

Qulipta Patient Information
Elizka profile image
Elizka in reply totroy04

Thank you. I'm happy with the easy weight loss, but i'm making extra effort to eat plenty of protein so I don't lose muscle.

troy04 profile image
troy04 in reply toElizka

Ok, but I am sure you know that eating too much protein is not good overall. I am not suggesting you are eating too much protein but regularly exceeding intake of 150g protein is not necessary to maintain strong muscle. Carbohydrate also plays vital role maintaining healthy and strong muscle. Too much protein can damage kidney in the long run. I think eating 50-75g protein per day is sufficient.

There was a study done a few years ago: the researchers found the higher-protein diet made no significant difference in lean body mass, muscle performance, or physical function as measured by exercises like chest presses, six-minute walking distances, and stair-climbing power. You can take a look here for a quick glance: health.harvard.edu/staying-...

Elizka profile image
Elizka in reply totroy04

Hi. That information is no longer up-to-date for older people. As we age we don't synthesize protein as we did when younger. The recommend amount of dietary allowance of protein is 1.2 to 1.6 g per kg bodyweight. Of course, eating a varied diet is key and I do. Other experts agree. foundmyfitness.com/episodes...

troy04 profile image
troy04

The link I sent you is not a guide. It was a clinical trial that proved eating more protein (more than 0.8 grams (g) of protein per kilogram (kg) of body weight) made no difference to muscle performance in those groups (average age 73). So unless I see another clinical trial (and peer reviewed) saying otherwise, I have no reason to believe anything else. The government guideline across the world never states eating 1.2 to 1.6 g protein g per kg bodyweight for any age group. So, I'll stick to what I wrote in my previous note and it is absolutely up to date.

Also, I would like to use authentic/reputable websites for references, such as of Harvard University.

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