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Compare Nurtec vs. Sumatriptan

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

Key takeaways

Rimegepant (Nurtec ODT) and sumatriptan (Imitrex) are both medications used to treat migraines with or without aura in adults. However, they belong to different medication classes. Rimegepant is a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor blocker, while sumatriptan is a triptan. Rimegepant can be used both to treat and prevent migraines, whereas sumatriptan is only used for treatment. Rimegepant is taken as a 75 mg orally disintegrating tablet every other day for prevention or as needed for treatment. Sumatriptan is taken as a 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg tablet at the onset of a migrain, with the option to take a second dose after 2 hours if needed, but not exceeding 200 mg in 24 hours. Rimegepant is available only as a brand-name medication, whereas sumatriptan is available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of rimegepant include nausea and stomach pain, while sumatriptan can cause tingling, numbness, and fatigue. Rimegepant generally has fewer side effects than triptans. Sumatriptan can cause serious heart and blood vessel issues, especially if you have a history of heart problems. Both medications can be taken with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), but sumatriptan has more drug interactions—including certain antidepressants, which can lead to serotonin syndrome.

  • Nurtec odt (rimegepant)
    Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
  • Nurtec odt (rimegepant)
    Sumatriptan (Imitrex)

  • Summary of Nurtec vs. Sumatriptan

    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.

    Summary for Triptan
    Prescription only

    Sumatriptan (Imitrex) is used to treat migraines with or without aura in adults. The medication is typically taken as a single dose for your migraine. But, it's possible that you can take it again 2 hours after the first dose if your migraine doesn't go away. Side effects of sumatriptan (Imitrex) include tingling or numbness of fingers or toes, feeling too warm or too cold, and fatigue. It can interact with antidepressants and other similar migraine medications. Sumatriptan (Imitrex) is available as a lower-cost generic tablet.

  • Indications of Nurtec vs. Sumatriptan

    Indications for
    •Treatment of migraines with or without aura in adults
    •Prevention of migraines with or without aura in adults
    Indications for
    •Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Nurtec vs. Sumatriptan

    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)
    Pros and Const for Triptan
    Pros
    •First-choice option for treating migraines
    •Can take with commonly used over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol)
    •Can start relieving migraine headaches within 30 minutes to 2 hours
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can't use to prevent migraines
    •Must wait at least 2 hours after the first dose to take a second dose, if needed
    •Your migraines can get worse if you use this medication too often.
    •Unknown if it's safe or if it works well in children

  • Common Side Effects of Nurtec vs. Sumatriptan

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (up to 3%)
    •Stomach pain or indigestion (up to 2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Tingling or numbness of fingers or toes (3-5%)
    •Feeling too warm or too cold (2-3%)
    •Fatigue (2-3%)

  • Warnings of Nurtec vs. Sumatriptan

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reactions
    •High blood pressure
    •Raynaud's phenomenon
    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart problems and high blood pressure
    •Stroke or other brain injury
    •Extreme narrowing of blood vessels
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Allergic reactions
    •Seizures

  • Prices with our coupons for Nurtec vs. Sumatriptan

    Learn more about Nurtec odt
    Learn more about Sumatriptan

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