Ubrelvy vs. Nurtec ODT: 6 Things to Know When Comparing These Migraine Medications

If you experience frequent migraines, you know they aren’t just bad headaches. They can bring your days (and life) to a complete halt. Whether you’ve been living with migraines for years or are newly diagnosed, finding the right treatment is crucial. Ubrelvy (ubrogepant) and Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) are two migraine medications you and your prescriber may be considering.

Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT are oral medications that directly target one cause of migraines. They share many similarities but also have some distinct differences to be aware of. Here are six things to keep in mind when comparing Ubrelvy versus Nurtec ODT.

1. Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT work similarly

Both Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT are calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonist medications. They work by blocking the protein CGRP from attaching to its receptors (chemical binding sites).

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Compare options: Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT both work by blocking calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Learn more about CGRP antagonists and the differences between them.

• What migraines feel like: Real people share first-hand accounts of what living with chronic migraine feels like and how they manage symptoms.

• Triptans vs. CGRP antagonists: Pharmacists discuss how these two classes of migraine medications compare.

CGRP is a protein that’s involved in triggering migraines. Your nerves produce CGRP. When this protein is released, it widens blood vessels in your brain. When there’s too much CGRP present, it seems to trigger migraines.

Studies have found people have higher levels of CGRP during a migraine. People with chronic migraines (15 or more migraines per month) also seem to have higher CGRP levels between migraines. And if someone is injected with extra CGRP, it causes a migraine.

By blocking CGRP from connecting to its receptors, Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT help stop migraines at their source.

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2. Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT are FDA approved for different uses

Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT have different FDA-approved uses. Ubrelvy is only approved to treat migraines in adults once they’ve started. Nurtec ODT is approved to treat and prevent migraines in adults. If being used for migraine treatment, you can combine either medication with migraine prevention medications that work differently from Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT.

3. You should swallow Ubrelvy tablets whole, while Nurtec ODT dissolves in your mouth

Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT are both tablets that you take orally. But there’s a difference between the types of tablets they are.

Ubrelvy is an oral tablet that comes in 50 mg and 100 mg doses. You should swallow it whole. Don’t split, crush, or chew Ubrelvy. If you have trouble swallowing pills, tell your prescriber. They may suggest Nurtec ODT as an alternative.

Nurtec ODT is an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) that comes as a 75 mg dose. When placed on or under your tongue, your saliva quickly dissolves the tablet. Once dissolved, you can swallow it without needing water. But you can still drink water with your dose if you’d prefer. Just make sure Nurtec ODT has fully dissolved before drinking.

Good to know: Make sure your hands are completely dry before handling Nurtec ODT tablets. The tablets may start to dissolve in your hands if they’re wet. This can prevent you from getting your full dose.

4. The dosages for Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT are different

Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT also have different directions and dosages. Be sure to get clear instructions from your prescriber about how and when to use them.

The typical Ubrelvy dosage is either 50 mg or 100 mg when migraine symptoms first start. If needed, you can take a second dose at least 2 hours after your first dose. The maximum daily dosage is 200 mg in 24 hours. There’s also a maximum monthly dosage for Ubrelvy. You should only use it for up to 8 migraines every 30 days.

The usual Nurtec ODT dosage for migraine treatment is 75 mg as soon as you start feeling symptoms. Unlike Ubrelvy, you shouldn’t take a second dose of Nurtec ODT if the first one isn’t working. The Nurtec ODT dosage for migraine prevention is 75 mg every other day. The maximum daily dosage is 75 mg in 24 hours. The maximum monthly dosage is 18 tablets every 30 days.

5. Both Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT have a low risk for side effects

Both Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT are usually well tolerated. Side effects are generally mild and they should go away once the medication wears off. If you’re taking Nurtec ODT for migraine prevention, side effects should be less noticeable as your body adjusts to the medication.

Common Ubrelvy side effects include:

• Nausea

• Fatigue

• Drowsiness

• Dry mouth

Common Nurtec ODT side effects include:

• Nausea

• Stomach pain

• Indigestion

People have experienced allergic reactions after taking Ubrelvy or Nurtec ODT, but this is very rare. Get immediate medical help or call 911 if you have trouble breathing or notice swelling of the tongue, mouth, or throat.

6. Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT have similar interactions

Ubrelvy and Nurtect ODT both have drug interactions to be aware of. The liver makes enzymes (proteins) that help break down Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT. But sometimes other medications affect these liver enzymes, either blocking them from working or causing them to work too quickly.

Medications and substances that block liver enzymes can raise levels of Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT. This can increase the risk of side effects. Examples of medications that interact this way include:

• Clarithromycin (Biaxin XL)

• Oral azole antifungals, such as ketoconazole and fluconazole (Diflucan)

• Cimetidine (Tagamet HB)

• Grapefruit (both the fruit and its juice)

• Medications that contain ritonavir (Norvir), such as Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir)

• Diltiazem (Cardizem)

• Verapamil (Verelan)

Medications that speed up liver enzymes can lower the levels of Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT in the body. This can make them less effective. Examples of medications that interact this way include:

• Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek)

• Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

• St. John’s wort

• Rifampin (Rifadin)

This isn’t a complete list of all interactions for either Ubrelvy or Nurtec ODT. Sharing an updated medication list with your healthcare team can help prevent interactions before they happen. Your Ubrelvy dosage may need to be adjusted depending on other medications that you’re taking. And Nurtec ODT may need to be spaced out 48 hours (2 days) away from an interacting medication.

How to save on Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT

There are ways to save on Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT, which are available as brand-name medications. GoodRx can help you navigate between copay savings cards and patient assistance programs to save money on your prescription.

• Save with copay savings cards. If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible to pay as little as $0 per month for Ubrelvy and $0 per prescription (up to 16 pills) for Nurtec ODT using a savings card from the manufacturer.

• Save with patient assistance programs. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for Ubrelvy’s patient assistance program, which offers the medication free of cost.

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Written by:

Tegan Smedley, PharmD, APh

Tegan Smedley, PharmD, APh, has 10 years of experience as a pharmacist. She has worked in a variety of settings, including retail, hospital, and ambulatory care.

Edited by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Jennifer Gershman, PharmD, CPh, PACS

Jennifer Gershman, PharmD, is a licensed pharmacist in Florida. She has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 15 years and is currently a medical writer.

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