Are you constantly suffering from severe headaches, or migraines, that ruin your day? Are you unable to do any work, unable to go out, and sometimes even lying in bed? Only those who suffer from them know that migraines are not just a headache. So, today we are talking about a special medicine that is given to prevent migraines in such people. Its name is Atogepant. In Sri Lanka, you may find it under the brand name QULIPTA.
What kind of medicine is Atogepant?
Simply put, Atogepant is a pill that prevents migraine headaches. That's the biggest advantage of it.
Remember: This is not a medicine to take after a migraine has occurred, that is, when the headache is present, to reduce it. It is used to stop or reduce the frequency of migraines. In other words, this is a preventive treatment .
Your doctor will only prescribe this medication to you if you have frequent migraines.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using the medicine
Before starting this medication, it is very important to talk openly with your doctor. Especially if you have any of the conditions below, you should definitely mention it.
- If you have kidney disease .
- If you have liver disease.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to Atogepant, any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether this medication is right for you or not, or whether the dosage needs to be changed.
How should I use the medicine exactly?
To get the most out of a medication, it is essential to use it correctly.
- Take this pill with a glass of water.
- Try to take your medicine at the same time every day , exactly as your doctor prescribed. When you make this a habit, you're less likely to forget.
- This can be taken before or after meals. However, if you feel an upset stomach, it is better to take it with food.
- Continue using this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop. Do not stop suddenly thinking that the pain has subsided.
- If you are giving this medicine to children, special care should be taken, so talk to your doctor about it.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
Sometimes we forget to take our medicine. If that happens, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (for example, it is only a few hours away), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you have even the slightest suspicion that you have taken more medicine than you think, do not take it lightly. Immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with others.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Some other medications, herbs, or supplements you take can affect the way Atogepant works. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about everything you are taking.
| Drugs and substances that may cause conflicts |
|---|
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| Important note: This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies. Also tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol. |
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Atogepant can cause side effects in some people, although not everybody gets them. Some of these can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.
| Side effect | Features to watch out for |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Symptoms of liver injury | Yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark yellow/brown urine, pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, feeling lethargic, and fever. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Constipation | Dry stomach. |
| Loss of appetite | Loss of appetite. |
| Nausea | Feeling like vomiting. |
| Tiredness | Feeling unusually tired. |
| Weight loss | Weight loss without reason. |
How do you keep your medicine safe?
- Keep it locked up, out of reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Protect from excessive heat and moisture.
- Do not use expired medicine.
- Ask your doctor about the safest way to dispose of unused or expired medications. Some medications may be mixed with used coffee grounds or soil before being thrown in the trash, placed in a sealed bag, and disposed of.
Take-Home Message
- Atogepant is not a medicine to take when a migraine occurs, but a medicine to prevent it from occurring .
- Before starting this medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Take your medicine at the same time every day, exactly as your doctor prescribed. If you miss a dose, never take two doses at the same time.
- If you notice any signs of liver damage or severe allergic reactions (yellowing of the skin/eyes, dark urine, swelling of the face), seek medical advice immediately.
- This is a medicine prescribed for you only. Never give it to anyone else. If you have any concerns about your symptoms, always talk to your doctor.
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