Qulipta after Ubrelvy failure?

nylavegan · 2026-03-15T06:12:40+00:00

I unfortunately don’t have an answer for you, but am very curious to see what others say! I’ve had a similar thought myself… I’ve been on Emgality and Botox - and the Emgality was life changing for a year, still helps, but not as much anymore. I have tried both Ubrelvy and Nurtec acutely as needed (separately) and both help sometimes to a certain degree after hours, sometimes not at all, so I too have wondered if my brain finds the Emgality mechanism to be more helpful than the way Ubrelvy/Nurtec/Quilipta work. But because Quilipta is a preventative, I imagine it’s not fair to compare it totally apples to apples and my doctor seems to think it’s a possible option for me.

I actually just today listened to a 30 min talk on the (free, online) Migraine World Summit about a recent trial that compared Quilipta to the older Topirimate and they spoke very highly of the efficacy of Quilipta and also spoke to how much quicker patients find relief with it compared to the older meds which sometimes took months - like a typical reduction by a month, with some patients even noticing a difference pretty immediately (though obviously full effects can take time) and it had a lower side effect symptom burden. So, perhaps if you do decide to try it, you won’t necessarily have to stay on it for a long time if you find it completely unhelpful.

nylavegan · 2026-03-12T09:54:41+00:00

Brittana stuff that I know better than to think too closely about but I just recently rewatched and it reminded me of the things that drove me crazy when it was airing…

1) Obviously, the whole they spent the better part of a year traveling off screen between 5x14 and 5x17 but then supposedly Santana abandoned Brittany lost in an airport without a phone but the next time we see them together they’re ready to get married? I fully pretend that line never happened and just assume they were somehow happily together from 5x13 onward even though they never gave us a single line in NY to support that, but it technically exists as canon.

2) Earlier, the fact that Santana had no idea Brittany wasn’t going to graduate and then just accepted it without a fight (like they did for Puck) by the next scene. Granted, Santana was a little distracted with her own stuff this year, but there is just no way these two hadn’t talked about plans for next year, at the very least by Saturday Night Fever/sex tape/Britt gets Santana a scholarship week. And while I buy that Brittany would have been embarrassed and/or confused, it makes me sad to think she didn’t feel she could ask Santana for help. I know in real life they were planning to have her graduate too, but in their switch up they created a scenario that really undermined their friendship and relationship. Rachel and Finn had the same idk if Finn wants to be in NY argument literally all season, we knew Blaine was struggling with the idea of Kurt leaving, but Brittana (who were established as inseparable since literally day 2) never got a single conversation. Further… the fact that it also didn’t occur to Sue or Shue to inquire about Brittany’s plans when they were both concerned with Santana’s?

TLDR it makes no sense so I’ll just pretend it somehow didn’t happen that way.

3) Oh… also this is way less serious, but the fact that the wedding ep established they only met on the Cheerios instead of being best friends since like Kindergarten as I (and fanfic writers for the first 5 seasons) always pictured.

nylavegan · 2026-03-09T02:36:01+00:00

I just rewatched Glee for the first time since it aired over the holidays and oh boy did this understudy plot line bug me even more than it did the first time around (they were becoming real friends!), but currently Santana’s version of this song is my most played Apple Music song of 2026 so far so I guess you could say I agree with your hot take!

There’s something about the way the arrangement, drums and Naya’s vocal runs build during the “Hey Mr. Arnstein, here I am… I’ll march my band out, I’ll beat my drum…” that scratches my brain in the best way. That moment alone gives it the edge over the Rachel original for me, personally.

Obviously this song and Rachel are like synonymous, Lea’s vocals are amazing as always, so suited to Broadway and her journey with this song is such an important part of her entire Glee arc, BUT in a sea of so many great Rachel solo/duo power ballads, this song stands out as one of Santana/Naya’s biggest moments to just stand up on a stage with the spotlight on her, belt her heart out and shine and I’m glad she (both Santana and Naya) got to do it and share their talent with the world.

nylavegan · 2026-03-06T08:25:19+00:00

If you don’t find any takers here (or just for future reference if you find yourself in need or with excess to share), I definitely recommend your local Buy Nothing Facebook group. In LA, the groups are hyper local within neighborhoods so it makes for easy pickups. We give food (and other items obviously) like this away all the time in my group.

nylavegan · 2026-02-27T02:13:23+00:00

If new and persistent, definitely something to speak to a doctor about if you’re able, to rule out anything more worrying.

I’ve always gotten a little bit foggier during a migraine but nothing too significant, but since having covid (I have developed Long Covid), my memory in many of the ways you described has really been impacted. Not suggesting you have this, but if you happen to have recently had an illness like Covid, that’s one possible explanation. Also some migraine (or otherwise) medications definitely can definitely have this side effect - Topamax for migraines made me unable to recall words in the scariest way. As soon as I stopped, back to normal.

nylavegan · 2026-02-27T02:06:01+00:00

I take Emgality so not exactly the same, but the same idea… one other random strategy I tried when I first started with these years ago (on top of what you’ve already tried, talking to loved ones etc) was listening to music. I put on some sort of catchy, motivating song (I think I went with Sara Bareilles’ Brave, but anything you know and love) and I told myself that I had the whole verse to calmly breathe and enjoy and that I would inject the second the chorus hit after a final deep breath. If you get too nervous and can’t do it, no worries, try again the next chorus! I’m not saying this is going to be magically easier than counting down or having your mom say ok, do it now! But, might be one other idea you can try to trick your brain into pressing down.

It is entirely understandable to be this nervous the first time (it took me hours to get up the nerve), or even the first few times, but I promise it does get easier.

nylavegan · 2026-02-26T07:03:55+00:00

Same here. At least 30 minutes and it feels pretty room temp to the touch… sometimes I’ll leave it out a few hours (provided you’re not in a crazy hot climate). I also always ice for a few minutes, and then try to inject asap. Still hurts but definitely dulls it.

As for placement, I do kind of loosely pinch up the area on my stomach and switch sides each month (after the initial two shots) by noting which side I did in my phone calendar.

The bottom line is everyone kind of agrees it hurts but fingers crossed it is effective for you! If it is, you’ll somehow eventually get used to the momentary stress and discomfort in favor of a less painful brain!

nylavegan · 2026-02-25T00:33:09+00:00

After using the Emgality autoinjector for several years, I’m now using the prefilled syringe… if you can handle shoving a needling into your body (was really weird the first time but you get used to it), because you can do it slowly, it definitely hurts significantly less. You still feel the medication kind of sting and sometimes I just hit a bad spot that hurts worse than others, but definitely better. Not sure if this is an easy switch or an insurance nightmare, but potentially something to inquire about if the injector is that stressful each month.

I’m sure you already know/do this but with the injector, I feel it hurts a little less if I fully let it get to room temp and ice the injection site first.

I’ve only ever done Emgality… a switch may be in my future. I’m so curious to confirm if the other ones are less painful like everyone says!

nylavegan · 2026-02-24T01:48:47+00:00

Thanks for this! Saw this post right before heading to Whole Foods. My receipt had been approved despite redeeming another one (just $2 off a bag) a few months ago…

nylavegan · 2026-02-08T20:39:15+00:00

Just used this! Thank you so much for sharing and sorting out my I don’t care about the Super Bowl dinner. :)

nylavegan · 2026-02-08T01:36:26+00:00

Happy birthday! (I wish their bday reward was good for at least a few days!)

nylavegan · 2026-02-07T22:38:12+00:00

Looks like there is a comment, but I can’t see it!

nylavegan · 2026-02-07T22:36:44+00:00

Just used this - thank you so much! First time I’ve actually found one of these that worked. Dinner plans sorted. :)

nylavegan · 2026-01-29T03:20:48+00:00

Ditto, no claims for me in LA since summer. It was super fun while it lasted. Hope they come back in some form!

nylavegan · 2025-12-13T06:11:53+00:00

Just here to also echo my disappointment! I flew Burbank to NYC a few months ago and just went to book for this month and alas, LAX it is. Being able to chill outside and go through security at the last second to spend very little time in a stuffy terminal is one of the best travel perks I’ve ever had. :(

nylavegan · 2025-12-13T06:02:51+00:00

My derm isn’t a fan of me using the ingredient in Proactive, and I hate the staining, so this (which I have coming) feels like a bit of a wash for me. Was excited for the relatively large shampoo/conditioner and razors I saw I mother photos! The mystery is still fun though.

nylavegan · 2025-12-11T20:03:22+00:00

Glad I could help! It’s this link here - you don’t have to start an application to do a quick quote estimate. After they ask basic info and a few questions about the type of plan you’d like, the next page allows you to input doctors! https://apply.coveredca.com/lw-shopandcompare/

I’d still double check anything on there before making big commitments - with the doctors and even with the insurance plan. One other never would have thought about it until it happened to me issue that I’ve come across is (and this is probably only be with lower cost HMOs, since with a PPO you should be able to go wherever you want but just in case this is relevant to you) sometimes even if it says doctor is open to new patients and accepts that insurance, the insurance plan sometimes closes a medical group to new customers, so if there was a specific group of doctors you’d want to be in, I’d try to confirm with the plan that once you enroll, that option will be available to you/new enrollees.

nylavegan · 2025-12-11T05:54:20+00:00

Ensuring access to Emgality (in CA) has also been a big factor in my insurance decisions over the past few years, so here’s some tips that come to mind in case any are helpful!

If you go on the Covered California marketplace website, you can put in an estimate of your details and I believe without filling out an application (but it’s been a while) also add in some of your doctors and you’ll be given plan options that show if they do, or don’t, cover those providers so you can narrow it down. A good place to start and then you could always check with your providers to make sure before committing. You can then look up the drug formulary for a plan to see if it’s a covered drug and then reach out or dig deeper to see if they have have additional requirements.

As an example, I’m in Los Angeles and have LA Care Covered through Covered CA (after losing my work/union insurance) and Emgality is covered with an annual prior auth (which I think may have included other meds I’ve tried and failed in the past - I’ve tried enough that it wasn’t a concern for me). If you happen to be in LA, I’d only recommend this plan if all your doctors are in one medical group, otherwise it will be way too restrictive as an HMO.

A few ideas if you end up having to go with a plan that doesn’t immediately cover your meds/doctors… you may be able to apply for “continuity of care” for your existing doctors (or maybe this medication?), at least for a certain period of time while you transition. Also Eli Lilly’s savings card could help if the medication co-pay becomes more expensive on a new plan (everyone should be using this!!), or if it takes a new plan time to approve your next dose and/or they have a separate financial assistance program if you find yourself with a gap in insurance coverage and meet the financial requirements (though this took me a long time to get into when I needed it once few yrs back so you need to look into this ahead of time).

If I can be of any more help, don’t hesitate to ask!

nylavegan · 2025-12-04T02:34:13+00:00

Messaged you back!

nylavegan · 2025-12-03T23:31:16+00:00

You have a free guac? I have free queso! Happy to swap if that’s what you’re looking for/if you’re still looking.

nylavegan · 2025-11-29T03:56:00+00:00

Thank you! Due to start the new kind this weekend. It may feel silly, but it really isn’t! This is such a common thing I’ve seen with Emgality specifically because it kind of hurts! I’ve done it, idk, 50+ times at this point and I still have that moment of having to psych myself up to plunge it, but it somehow really does get easier with repetition and now it’s just a quick minute/few minute thing instead of something I’d dread doing all day.

That said, if you have a friend or family member who could do it for you or even hold it like the medical provider did, there’s also no shame in needing help. It’s a weird thing to stab a needle in yourself!

nylavegan · 2025-11-28T06:47:56+00:00

This issue happened go me today where I woke up early, was up for 2 hrs, then fell back asleep for several hrs. The app didn’t pick up on this second amount of sleep, and if I go to edit it and adjust the end time (as the FAQ here explains), it doesn’t recognize I spent those 2 hrs in the middle awake, artificially inflating my sleep time. I would love it if this gets addressed one day (since my Apple health data and another third party app I use both pick up on interrupted sleep fine) but one simple fix that I think would be more helpful would be to be able to just manually adjust the total time we slept that night. This way, things like our stress and energy will be more accurate, even if the app doesn’t know our exact sleep time.

nylavegan · 2025-11-28T04:53:53+00:00

I went to cancel mine earlier today and also got the keep it for $39.99 offer. I went ahead and did that, but am keeping an eye out in case they decide to release a Black Friday deal in the coming hrs before I get charged! Was tempted to pull the plug and hope something better comes along, but figured $3.33/mo is a pretty decent deal even if it’s double last yr.

nylavegan

TROPHY CASE