Nurtec
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.
What is Nurtec ODT (rimegepant)?
What is Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) used for?
- Treatment of migraines with or without aura in adults
- Prevention of migraines with or without aura in adults
How Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) works
Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist. It blocks a protein in the brain called CGRP. This protein plays a role in causing migraines.
By blocking CGRP, Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) can help stop migraine pain. It also helps prevent migraines from happening.
Drug facts
Side effects of Nurtec ODT (rimegepant)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Nausea (up to 3%)
- Stomach pain or indigestion (up to 2%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Shortness of breath
- Skin rash
Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reaction: hives, rash, blisters, skin reddening, swelling of the lips or tongue, trouble breathing
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The following Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing
- Increase in blood pressure
- Raynaud syndrome—cool, numb, or painful fingers or toes that may change color from pale, to blue, to red
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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Pros and cons of Nurtec ODT (rimegepant)
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)
Pharmacist tips for Nurtec ODT (rimegepant)
- Only take the Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) tablet out of the blister pack when you're ready to take it. Be sure your hands are dry before touching the tablet. If it gets wet or is left out too long, it can start to dissolve before you take it.
- Peel back the foil and take out the Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) tablet right before you take it. Don't push the tablet through the pack because it might break.
- Place Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) on or under your tongue. It will dissolve on its own. You don't need to drink or eat anything to take the medication. But if it's hurting your stomach, sometimes taking the medication with food can help. Keep in mind that food might make it take longer to work though.
- Taking Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) to treat migraines: Take the medication at the first sign of a migraine. It usually starts to work within 2 hours. Don't take more than 1 tablet a day and more than 18 tablets in 30 days. If you get migraines a lot, talk to your care team if you need other options to treat or even prevent migraines.
- Taking Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) to prevent migraines: Take the medication every other day. To help remember, use even days (like the 2nd, 4th) or odd days (like the 1st, 3rd) of the month. It might take a month or more to have fewer migraine days per month with this medication. Talk to your prescriber if you still have migraines often after a few months of treatment.
- Don't eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking Nurtec ODT (rimegepant). Grapefruit can raise the amount of medication in your body. This might put you at higher risk of side effects like stomach upset. If you often have grapefruit, talk to your prescriber. They can decide if a different migraine medication is better for you.
- Tell your care team about all the medications you take or plan to take. This also includes any over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements. Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) can interact with many medications. Your care team can check that your medications are safe to take together. They'll let you know if you need to avoid any medications or take Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) less often to prevent drug interactions.
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Common questions about Nurtec ODT (rimegepant)
Risks and warnings for Nurtec ODT (rimegepant)
Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions to Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) are possible. In studies, some people had allergic reactions like trouble breathing and rash. Allergic reactions can happen days after you take Nurtec ODT (rimegepant).
Get medical help right away if you have an allergic reaction after taking Nurtec ODT (rimegepant). Signs to watch for include a rash; feeling dizzy; nausea; or swelling around your eyes, lips, or tongue. Also look out for a choking feeling or trouble breathing.
High blood pressure
- Risk factors: History of high blood pressure | Having risk factors for high blood pressure
CGRP antagonists like Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) can raise blood pressure in some people. This can happen at any time during treatment. But it's usually happened within the first week of taking the medication.
Tell your prescriber about the health problems you have, especially if you have high blood pressure. They can check your risk of having higher blood pressure while taking Nurtec ODT (rimegepant).
Your care team might ask you to check your blood pressure at home. If it stays higher than usual, let them know. Your prescriber can decide if you need blood pressure medication or if you should try a different migraine medication.
Raynaud's phenomenon
- Risk factors: History of Raynaud's phenomenon
Some people who took a CGRP antagonist like Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) developed Raynaud's phenomenon. The medication might also make it worse if you already have this condition.
Raynaud's phenomenon causes color changes in your hands and feet. They can turn pale or more red depending on how much blood is flowing through. It can also cause pain in your fingers and toes. Sometimes, the pain can be severe enough that it needs hospital care or makes everyday life harder.
Stop taking Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) and talk to your prescriber if you notice any signs of Raynaud's. They can give you tips on managing this problem. Let them know if symptoms don't go away.
Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) dosage
Dose pack| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 orally disintegrating tablets of 75mg | 1 dose pack | $993.93 | $993.93 |
Typical dosage for Nurtec ODT (rimegepant)
- Migraine treatment: The typical dose is 75 mg (one ODT) dissolved on or under your tongue once when you have a migraine attack. It's taken as needed, meaning you take it only when you have a migraine. Don't take more than 75 mg (one ODT) in a 24-hour period.
- Migraine prevention: The typical dose is 75 mg (one ODT) dissolved on or under your tongue every other day.
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How much does Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) cost?
$993.93
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