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. You shouldn’t take more than 1 Nurtec ODT tablet per day — or more than 18 tablets per month.
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.
It’s typically OK to take Nurtec ODT along with other types of migraine medications, including acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin). But it’s best to avoid Nurtec ODT during pregnancy.
There are ways to save on Nurtec ODT. If you’re eligible, a manufacturer savings card can help you get Nurtec ODT for as little as $0 per month.
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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 how often can you take it? And how fast does Nurtec ODT work? Here, we’ll answer these and other frequently asked questions about Nurtec ODT.
1. How fast does Nurtec ODT work?
How fast Nurtec ODT works depends on why you’re taking it.
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. It’s possible that some people will notice fewer migraines after just 1 week. But in clinical studies, Nurtec ODT’s effectiveness was measured after 9 to 12 weeks of treatment. It also seems to become more effective the longer you take it.
2. 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 dosage is 1 tablet of Nurtec ODT 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 isn’t recommended.
For migraine prevention, 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.
3. Can you take Tylenol or Ibuprofen with Nurtec ODT?
It’s generally OK to take 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.
4. 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.
What side effects can happen while taking Nurtec ODT? Here are common and rare Nurtec ODT side effects to consider and tips for how to manage them.
Can you eat grapefruit with Nurtec ODT? Pharmacists review the top Nurtec ODT interactions you should know about.
Tips for taking Nurtec ODT: Learn how to dissolve Nurtec ODT in your mouth the right way, along with other tips for taking it.
Triptans are first-choice migraine medications. 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 coming prepared with a list of all the medications you take.
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 in clinical trials, the most common Nurtec ODT side effect was nausea. No weight changes were reported, 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.
How to save on Nurtec ODT
Nurtec ODT is only available as a brand-name medication. 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.
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. It 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.
Nurtec ODT isn’t a triptan, and it isn’t considered a first-choice medication for migraines. 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 unless your OB-GYN recommends it.
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References
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American Headache Society. (n.d.). Treating migraine during pregnancy.
American Pregnancy Association. (n.d.). Remedies for migraines during pregnancy.
Blair, H. A. (2023). Rimegepant: A review in the acute treatment and preventive treatment of migraine. CNS Drugs.
Croop, R., et al. (2024). A multicenter, open-label long-term safety study of rimegepant for the acute treatment of migraine. Cephalalgia.
Jacobson, J. D., et al. (2024). Preeclampsia. MedlinePlus.
Lew, C., et al. (2023). Migraine medications. StatPearls.
Nicolas, S., et al. (2024). Triptans. StatPearls.
Pfizer, Inc. (n.d.). The Migraine Observational Nurtec Pregnancy Registry (MONITOR).
Pfizer Laboratories Div Pfizer Inc. (2024). NURTEC ODT- rimegepant sulfate tablet, orally disintegrating [package insert]. DailyMed.
Russell, F. A., et al. (2014). Calcitonin gene-related peptide: Physiology and pathophysiology. Physiological Reviews.
Taylor, F. R. (2008). Weight change associated with the use of migraine-preventive medications. Clinical Therapeutics.
