Key takeaways:
Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is a medication that both treats and prevents migraines. It typically improves migraine symptoms within 2 hours. But it can take up to 9 to 12 weeks to reduce the number of migraines you experience.
Nurtec ODT isn’t a triptan. It’s a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist, and it isn’t considered a first-choice medication for migraines. You shouldn’t take more than 1 Nurtec ODT tablet per day — or more than 18 tablets per month.
It’s typically OK to take Nurtec ODT along with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) as well as other types of migraine medications. But it’s best to avoid Nurtec ODT during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
There are ways to save on Nurtec ODT. GoodRx can help you access Nurtec ODT at an exclusive cash price. A manufacturer savings card and a patient assistance program are also available.
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Migraine headaches can be painful and hard to predict. If you feel a migraine coming on, finding fast relief is likely your main goal. But when it comes to migraine treatments, it can be challenging to find one that works for you.
Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is the first oral migraine medication that both treats and prevents migraines. But is Nurtec ODT a triptan? And how fast does it work? Let’s review pharmacist-backed answers to these and other frequently asked questions about Nurtec ODT.
1. Is Nurtec ODT a triptan?
No, Nurtec ODT is not a triptan. Triptans are also migraine medications. But they’re only approved to treat migraines, not prevent them. And they work in a different way than Nurtec ODT does.
Nurtec ODT is a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist. It blocks the effects of CGRP, a protein that may contribute to pain and inflammation during a migraine. Triptans, on the other hand, bind to serotonin receptors in the brain to help constrict blood vessels and decrease inflammation.
Triptans are first-choice medications to treat migraines. Nurtec ODT is typically reserved for those who can’t take triptans or don’t respond well to them. Your prescriber will use your medical history to recommend the best migraine medication for your needs. You can help by providing them with a list of all the medications you take.
2. How fast does Nurtec ODT work?
Nurtec ODT starts to treat your migraine as soon as you dissolve it in your mouth. Most people notice their symptoms improve within 2 hours of taking it. Avoid high-fat meals with Nurtec ODT if possible — they may slow down how fast it works.
If you’re taking Nurtec ODT to prevent migraine headaches, it will take longer to work than if you’re taking it to treat them. Some people will notice fewer migraines after just 1 week of taking Nurtec ODT. But it seems to become more effective the longer you take it. In clinical studies, Nurtec ODT’s effectiveness was measured after 9 to 12 weeks of treatment.
3. How often can you take Nurtec ODT?
How often you can take Nurtec ODT depends on whether you’re taking it for migraine treatment or prevention.
For treatment, the recommended Nurtec ODT dosage is 1 tablet at the first sign of a migraine attack. Unlike other migraine medications, you shouldn’t take more than 1 tablet of Nurtec ODT in a 24-hour period. Taking more than 18 tablets in a 30-day period also isn’t recommended.
To prevent migraines, you’ll dissolve 1 Nurtec ODT tablet in your mouth every other day. This dosage schedule may be harder to remember, since you don’t take it every day. If you need help, consider trying a medication organizer or medication reminder app.
If you get a migraine while taking Nurtec ODT regularly to prevent them, you’ll need a different medication for migraine relief. You can’t use Nurtec ODT to treat and prevent migraines at the same time.
4. Can you take Tylenol or Ibuprofen with Nurtec ODT?
It’s generally OK to take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), with Nurtec ODT if needed. But these medications aren’t appropriate for everyone, so it’s a good idea to check with your pharmacist or prescriber first.
You can also take other migraine medications with Nurtec ODT. For example, if you’re taking it to treat migraines, you may take a different type of medication to prevent them, such as propranolol or topiramate (Topamax). If you’re taking Nurtec ODT to prevent migraines, you can take a medication such as sumatriptan (Imitrex) to treat a migraine if one occurs.
5. Does Nurtec ODT cause weight gain or weight loss?
No. Nurtec ODT doesn’t seem to cause any weight changes. This includes both weight gain and weight loss.
Other medications that help prevent migraine headaches, such as amitriptyline and propranolol, may cause weight gain for some people. But weight gain isn’t associated with Nurtec ODT and other CGRP antagonists. In clinical trials, no weight changes were reported while taking Nurtec ODT, even with long-term use.
Talk to your prescriber if you notice any concerning weight changes while taking Nurtec ODT. They can help determine the cause and develop a treatment plan.
6. Can you take Nurtec ODT if you’re pregnant?
We don’t know whether Nurtec ODT is safe to take during pregnancy. Pregnant women weren’t included in the initial clinical studies of Nurtec ODT. The manufacturer is currently collecting data from people who take Nurtec ODT during pregnancy to determine if it’s safe. But it’s best to avoid taking Nurtec ODT during pregnancy unless your OB-GYN recommends it.
If you’re pregnant, your healthcare team may recommend starting with non-medication migraine treatments. That’s because they have a low risk of harm to the baby. These include relaxation techniques, hydration, and cold packs. Magnesium supplements may also help, but check with your OB-GYN before taking them. If these options aren’t effective, your healthcare team can discuss the risks and benefits of migraine medications with you.
Good to know: Headaches during pregnancy may also be a sign of pre-eclampsia. This is a serious health condition that can become life-threatening without treatment. Other signs and symptoms include high blood pressure, swelling of the face and hands, and trouble breathing. So it’s a good idea to let your OB-GYN know if you’re experiencing headaches during your pregnancy.
7. Can you take Nurtec ODT while breastfeeding?
It’s not currently clear whether Nurtec ODT is safe to take while breastfeeding. Studies show that it doesn’t enter breastmilk in large amounts. But CGRP plays a significant role in the growth and development of an infant. So some experts recommend holding off on breastfeeding for 8 to 12 hours after taking a dose of Nurtec ODT or avoiding it while breastfeeding altogether.
Your healthcare team can help you weigh the risks and benefits of different options to find the best migraine treatment plan for you while breastfeeding.
8. Does Nurtec ODT make you sleepy?
Drowsiness wasn’t a reported Nurtec ODT side effect in clinical studies. Nausea and indigestion were the most common issues. That being said, everyone responds to medication differently. If you’re feeling sleepy after taking Nurtec ODT, talk to your prescriber. They can help determine the cause and the best next steps to take.
How to save on Nurtec ODT
There are ways to save on Nurtec ODT, which is available as a brand-name medication. Anyone with a valid prescription, regardless of insurance status, can use GoodRx to purchase Nurtec ODT at an exclusive cash price.
If you have commercial insurance, you may pay as little as $0 per month for Nurtec ODT using a copay savings card from the manufacturer. If you;re uninsured or underinsured, a patient assistance program is also available.
The bottom line
Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is an oral calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist. It’s FDA-approved to both treat and prevent migraine headaches. Nurtec ODT isn’t a triptan, and it isn’t considered a first-choice medication for migraines.
Nutec ODT typically improves migraine symptoms within 2 hours of taking it. But if you’re taking it to prevent migraines, it may take up to 9 to 12 weeks to work. You shouldn’t take more than 1 Nurtec ODT tablet in a 24-hour period or more than 18 tablets per month.
It’s usually OK to take Nurtec ODT with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) or other types of migraine medications. But check with your healthcare team first. It’s best to avoid Nurtec ODT during pregnancy or while breastfeeding unless your healthcare team recommends it.
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References
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Pfizer, Inc. (n.d.). The Migraine Observational Nurtec Pregnancy Registry (MONITOR).
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Rashid, A., et al. (2023). Calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor. StatPearls.
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