atogepant at a glance
Medicine class
Small-molecule CGRP receptor antagonist, also called a gepant.
Licensed uses
Acute migraine treatment and migraine prevention in eligible adults.
Administration
An oral tablet that may be taken with or without food.
Driving
Sleepiness can occur; avoid driving or machinery until you know how it affects you.
What is atogepant used for?
Licensed uses in adults are:
Treating an active migraine attack, with or without aura.
Preventing migraine in people with at least four migraine days per month.
How does atogepant work?
CGRP contributes to pain signalling, inflammation and blood-vessel changes associated with migraine. Atogepant selectively blocks the CGRP receptor, reducing these effects.
atogepant preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 10 mg, 60 mg
How to take atogepant
Swallow the prescribed tablet by mouth and follow the dispensing label. It can be taken with or without food. Do not drive or operate machinery if it makes you sleepy.
Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about all medicines and supplements before starting.
Do not change the prescribed formulation without professional advice.
atogepant side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Reduced appetite
- Tiredness or sleepiness
- Weight decrease
- Allergic symptoms such as rash, itching, hives, facial swelling or breathlessness
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylaxis or another severe allergic reaction requiring urgent medical assessment
atogepant in pregnancy
Atogepant is not recommended during pregnancy because human information is limited and animal studies found reproductive toxicity. Anyone pregnant or planning pregnancy should discuss migraine treatment with their prescriber; other options may be considered.
atogepant while breastfeeding
A small study found minimal transfer into breast milk after a single administration, but effects on breastfed infants, milk production and repeated use remain uncertain. Discuss the benefits of breastfeeding and treatment with the prescriber, particularly for a newborn or premature infant.
atogepant interactions
The full medicine list should be checked because some enzyme and transporter inhibitors substantially alter atogepant exposure.
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, including clarithromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole and ritonavir
They can markedly increase atogepant exposure, so the prescription requires review.
Strong OATP inhibitors, including ciclosporin, atazanavir, ritonavir, telmisartan and tipranavir
They can increase atogepant exposure and require prescribing review.
Strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers
They may lower atogepant exposure and potentially reduce its effect.
Common questions about atogepant
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is atogepant a gepant?
Yes. It is a small-molecule CGRP receptor antagonist belonging to the gepant group.
Can atogepant both treat and prevent migraine?
Yes. Its current UK licence covers treating active migraine attacks and preventing migraine in eligible adults.
Can it treat migraine with aura?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.