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Onzetra vs. Axert

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

Key takeaways

Onzetra (sumatriptan) and almotriptan are both triptans used to treat migraines, but they have some key differences. Onzetra is a nasal powder that you blow into your nose using a special device, while almotriptan is an oral tablet that you swallow. Onzetra can provide relief within 30 minutes to 2 hours, whereas almotriptan typically works within 2 hours. Onzetra is only available as a brand medication, which can make it more expensive, while almotriptan is available in a generic form, potentially making it more affordable. Onzetra is not recommended for use more than 9 days per month to avoid medication overuse headaches, and the same applies to almotriptan. Additionally, almotriptan can be used in children 12 years or older, while Onzetra is only for adults. Both medications have similar side effects, such as chest pain and high blood pressure, but Onzetra can also cause an unusual taste in your mouth and nasal discomfort.

Onzetra

(sumatriptan)

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Almotriptan

 

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Summary for Onzetra

Prescription only

Onzetra (sumatriptan) is a triptan that's used to treat migraine attacks with or without aura in adults. Onzetra (sumatriptan) is a device with a mouthpiece. It comes with separate nosepieces containing the medication that you attach to the device. You use the mouthpiece and nosepiece together to inhale the medication through your nose by using the power of your breath. Onzetra (sumatriptan) is available by prescription only and is a brand-name medication. Common side effects are changes in taste and discomfort in the nose.

Indications for Onzetra

  • Short-term treatment of migraines with or without aura in adults

Pros and Cons for Onzetra

Pros

  • Can start to relieve migraine pain within 30 minutes
  • A first-choice option for short-term treatment of migraines in adults
  • A good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills and who don't want to use an injection

Cons

  • Can cause nose or throat irritation and an unusual taste in your mouth after use
  • Need to use 1 nosepiece in each nostril to get the full dose
  • Only available as a brand-name product in one strength

Common Side Effects for Onzetra

  • Unusual taste in the mouth (20%)
  • Nasal discomfort (11%)
  • Runny nose (5%)

Warnings for Onzetra

  • Heart problems and high blood pressure
  • Stroke or other brain injury
  • Blood vessel spasms
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Allergic reactions
  • Seizures
  • Nose or throat irritation

Summary for Axert

Prescription only

Almotriptan is a type of migraine medication called a triptan. It treats migraine with or without aura in adults and certain children age 12 to 17 years. Its brand name Axert has been discontinued, so almotriptan is now only available as a generic. Almotriptan is a tablet that's swallowed whole when a migraine starts. You can take another tablet at least 2 hours later if the medication doesn't completely relieve your migraine. Side effects include sleepiness and headache.

Indications for Axert

  • Treatment of migraine attacks in adults with a history of migraine with or without aura
  • Treatment of migraine pain in children age 12 to 17 years with a history of migraine with or without aura that lasts 4 hours or more

Pros and Cons for Axert

Pros

  • A first-choice option for treating a migraine attack in adults
  • Approved for certain children 12 years and older
  • Might start working as soon as 30 minutes after taking the 12.5 mg strength

Cons

  • Might not be a good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills whole during a migraine
  • Not used to prevent migraine or to treat other types of headaches
  • Must wait at least 2 hours to take another tablet if the first dose didn't fully relieve the migraine

Common Side Effects for Axert

Adults:

  • Nausea (1-2%)
  • Dry mouth (1%)
  • "Pins and needles" feeling in the arms or legs (1%)

Children age 12 years and older:

  • Sleepiness (up to 5%)
  • Dizziness (3-4%)
  • Nausea (1-3%)
  • Vomiting (up to 2%)
  • Headache (1-2%)
  • "Pins and needles" feeling in the arms or legs (1%)

Warnings for Axert

  • Heart attack, chest pain (angina), and irregular heart rhythm
  • Stroke or other brain injury
  • Extreme narrowing of blood vessels
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Worse headaches if you take almotriptan too often
  • High blood pressure
  • Serious allergic reaction

Prices with our coupons for Onzetra vs. Axert

Price Card Drug Icon
Onzetra1 carton / 16 nosepieces of 11mg
$908.65$1,149.01
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Almotriptan1 dose pack / 12 tablets of 12.5mg
$133.66$410.45
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