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Compare Emgality vs. Nurtec

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Galcanezumab (Emgality) and rimegepant (Nurtec ODT) are both medications used to prevent migraines in adults. However, they belong to different medication classes and have distinct uses and forms. Galcanezumab is a monoclonal antibody that is also used to treat episodic cluster headaches, while rimegepant is a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor blocker that can also treat migraines with or without aura. Galcanezumab is administered as a subcutaneous injection, typically once a month, whereas rimegepant is taken orally as a dissolvable tablet every other day for prevention or as needed for treatment. Both are only available as brand-name medications. Common side effects of galcanezumab include injection site reactions and sore throat, while rimegepant may cause nausea and stomach pain. Additionally, rimegepant interacts with grapefruit, which can increase the risk of side effects, whereas galcanezumab does not have this interaction.

  • Emgality (galcanezumab)
    Nurtec odt (rimegepant)
  • Emgality (galcanezumab)
    Nurtec odt (rimegepant)

  • Summary of Emgality vs. Nurtec

    Summary for CGRP antagonist
    Prescription only

    Emgality (galcanezumab or galcanezumab-gnlm) is an injectable medication that can help prevent migraine attacks in adults. It can also help treat cluster headaches in adults. This medication is a monoclonal antibody that works as a CGRP antagonist. It blocks the CGRP protein in the brain that can cause migraine and headache pain. Emgality (galcanezumab) comes as a prefilled pen and syringe. You inject one dose of the medication under the skin monthly. Some common side effects include pain, itching, and redness at the injection site.

    Summary for Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist
    Prescription only

    Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is a type of migraine medication called a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist. It helps treat migraine attacks with or without aura in adults. It can also help prevent migraines from happening in the long run. This medication is an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT). You put it on or under the tongue and let it dissolve. The dosage is 1 tablet each time. But how often you take the medication depends on if you're taking it to prevent or treat migraines. Side effects include nausea and stomach pain. Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is a brand-name medication; there's no generic version yet.

  • Indications of Emgality vs. Nurtec

    Indications for
    •Prevention of migraines in adults
    •Treatment of episodic (occasional) cluster headaches in adults
    Indications for
    •Treatment of migraines with or without aura in adults
    •Prevention of migraines with or without aura in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Emgality vs. Nurtec

    Pros and Const for CGRP antagonist
    Pros
    •Only needs to be given once a month
    •Good option for people who have a hard time taking medications by mouth
    •Generally well tolerated
    Cons
    •Not a good option for people who don't like needles
    •Need to store in a refrigerator
    •Not known if the medication works well or is safe in children, during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding
    Pros and Const for Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist
    Pros
    •A first-choice option for preventing migraines
    •Generally has fewer side effects than triptans
    •Can take without any foods or liquids
    •Dissolves on the tongue, so it's a good option for people who don't like to or can't swallow pills
    Cons
    •Usually a second-choice option for treating migraines (after trying triptans)
    •Can interact with certain medications, like some antifungals and antiseizure medications
    •Might not be the best choice if you have serious liver or kidney problems
    •Not approved for children (but studies are ongoing)

  • Common Side Effects of Emgality vs. Nurtec

    Common Side Effects for
    •Pain, itching, warmth, and other injection site reactions (18%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (up to 3%)
    •Stomach pain or indigestion (up to 2%)

  • Warnings of Emgality vs. Nurtec

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •High blood pressure
    •Raynaud's phenomenon
    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reactions
    •High blood pressure
    •Raynaud's phenomenon

  • Prices with our coupons for Emgality vs. Nurtec

    Learn more about Emgality
    Learn more about Nurtec odt

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