No, constipation wasn’t a common side effect reported by people taking Ubrelvy in the drug’s clinical trials. While some other migraine treatments are well known for causing digestive backup, Ubrelvy doesn’t usually affect your body in this way.
The confusion often stems from the fact that Ubrelvy belongs to a class of drugs called CGRP antagonists. Other medications in this broader category (specifically injectable monoclonal antibodies used for migraine prevention) are strongly associated with constipation.
However, Ubrelvy is an oral CGRP antagonist used for the treatment of individual migraine attacks. Because the drug stays in your system for a shorter time and targets receptors differently than injectables used for migraine prevention, it doesn’t carry the same risk of bowel habit changes.
Most people tolerate Ubrelvy well. When side effects do occur, they’re generally mild.
The most common negative reactions reported in clinical studies include nausea and somnolence (a feeling of extreme sleepiness or drowsiness). In some cases, people also reported dry mouth. These symptoms occurred in a small percentage of people, though (usually from 2% to 4%).
If you’re taking Ubrelvy and experience constipation, other factors are likely at play. Many people with migraine use multiple medications to manage their symptoms. For example, some older rescue medications, such as opioids or certain anti-nausea drugs, are notorious for slowing down the digestive system. And a migraine itself can sometimes slow down your bowels.
Lifestyle factors during a migraine attack, such as dehydration or changes in diet, can also contribute to temporary constipation. If you notice significant changes in your digestion, it’s helpful to track when you take your medications and what other symptoms occur simultaneously.
Be sure to talk with a healthcare professional if symptoms become more frequent or severe.
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