4 Ubrelvy Side Effects and How to Manage Them

Frequent migraines can have a profound impact on quality of life and affect the bulk of your day-to-day priorities — including your relationships, career, and mental health. As an added factor, the timing of migraine episodes can feel unpredictable and cause discomfort in inconvenient moments. It makes sense that migraines are the second-leading cause of disability worldwide.

Thankfully, many migraine treatments are available. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists, also referred to as “gepants,” are a newer class of medications used for treatment of migraine. Ubrelvy (ubrogepant) is one CGRP receptor antagonist used to treat sudden migraine attacks, with or without aura (visual, sensory, or speech changes), in adults.

Your healthcare provider may recommend taking Ubrelvy 50 mg or 100 mg oral tablets as needed for migraine symptoms. Ubrelvy is well-tolerated for most people, but as with any medication, side effects are possible. Read on to learn more about four Ubrelvy side effects and what to do if you experience them.

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1. Nausea

Nausea was the most common Ubrelvy side effect in clinical trials. Up to 4% of people experienced it at some point, and it’s more likely with higher doses. It was also the most common side effect that led people to stop taking the medication, although this didn’t happen often overall.

Some minor dietary changes may help prevent nausea. You can try taking the medication with food if your migraine symptoms will allow it. Avoiding certain foods that can worsen nausea, such as spicy, fried, or acidic items, is also a good idea.

If you’re feeling nauseous, try limiting yourself to bland, starchy foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, or toast. Foods like these are part of the BRAT diet, a temporary diet that can help manage nausea. Try to also eat smaller, more frequent meals and stay hydrated by drinking water. In some cases, your healthcare provider may suggest an over-the-counter medication such as an antacid or a prescription medication like Zofran (ondansetron).

Keep in mind: Nausea is also a possible migraine symptom — it’s not just a medication side effect. If your nausea doesn’t go away or becomes worse, let your healthcare provider know right away. They may want to reassess your treatment plan. They can also tell you what to do if you vomit shortly after taking Ubrelvy.

2. Fatigue and sleepiness

Fatigue and sleepiness are relatively common Ubrelvy side effects. About 2% to 3% of people experience these symptoms after taking a dose — most often with Ubrelvy 100 mg.

While these side effects are usually mild, that’s not the case for everyone. It’s important to understand how your body handles Ubrelvy before participating in activities that require mental alertness, such as driving a car. Once your body adjusts to taking Ubrelvy, see if you feel alert enough for these activities. This is especially important when you start taking Ubrelvy.

If you continually feel more tired than normal after taking Ubrelvy, talk with your healthcare provider. They may want to lower your dose or switch you to a different medication. They can also help you figure out if your migraines themselves are causing fatigue or sleepiness (or vice versa).

3. Dry mouth

Ubrelvy may cause dry mouth in about 1% to 2% of people who take it. This can make it hard to chew or swallow. Dry mouth can also make it difficult to enjoy food or speak comfortably.

Small lifestyle adjustments, such as drinking more water, can help counteract dry mouth. Other options include sucking on ice chips or enjoying sugar-free gum.

If you’re experiencing dry mouth that’s bothersome or isn’t going away, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you figure out next steps regarding your treatment plan. Long-lasting dry mouth isn’t common with Ubrelvy. It usually goes away on its own after a dose wears off. 

4. Allergic reactions

As with all medications, allergic reactions can happen after you take Ubrelvy. They can be mild or serious. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include skin rashes, hives, or flushing. Symptoms of a more serious allergic reaction can include swelling in your throat or mouth, a sudden cough, or trouble breathing.

In Ubrelvy’s initial studies, most reactions happened within hours of taking the medication. But some reactions occurred days after taking it.

If you have any symptoms of a mild allergic reaction, you should stop taking Ubrelvy and speak to your healthcare provider. They can help get the situation under control. They may prescribe a different medication to manage your migraines going forward. But if you’re experiencing trouble breathing or swelling of the face, mouth, or throat, skip this step and seek emergency medical help right away. Serious reactions are rare.

Does Ubrelvy have the same side effects as other CGRP blockers?

Yes, Ubrelvy has similar side effects to other CGRP blockers. Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) and Zavzpret nasal spray (zavegepant) are CGRP blockers that also treat acute migraines in adults. Nurtec ODT can also prevent migraines.

Both medications have a similar side effect profile to Ubrelvy, with nausea being the most common side effect of Nurtec ODT. Nausea, taste changes, and nasal discomfort are the most common side effects of Zavzpret nasal spray. Nurtec ODT and Zavzpret have also been linked to allergic reactions.

What about CGRP monoclonal antibodies?

Other CGRP drugs are available for migraine prevention. Ajovy (fremanezumab-vfrm), Aimovig (erenumab-aooe), and Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm) are given as under-the-skin injections to prevent migraines in adults. Vyepti (eptinezumab-jjmr) is used in a similar way, but it’s an intravenous infusion.

These CGRP monoclonal antibodies have different side effects than Ubrelvy and other “gepant” medications. For example, medications like Ajovy, Aimovig, and Emgality can cause pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site. Aimovig is also associated with constipation and muscle cramps or spasms. Vyepti has been linked to a stuffy nose and scratchy throat.

Remember: Ubrelvy is used for the acute treatment of migraines. It’s not approved for the prevention of migraines.

When should you contact your healthcare provider about Ubrelvy side effects?

Most Ubrelvy side effects are mild. But if you experience side effects that are bothering you or getting worse, contact your healthcare provider. They can recommend management tips.

If you experience symptoms of a serious side effect, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face, mouth, throat, or tongue, that’s more urgent. Call emergency responders or visit the nearest emergency room right away.

To add a layer of complexity, many of Ubrelvy’s side effects overlap with the traditional symptoms of a migraine. If you feel your migraines aren’t adequately controlled on your current treatment plan, reach out to your healthcare provider. They may want to adjust your migraine medication.

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Written by:

Tanya Kertsman, PharmD

Tanya Kertsman has been a licensed pharmacist in New Jersey and Pennsylvania for 13 years. She has worked in the pharmaceutical industry in medical affairs for 7 years, developing and reviewing medical content for consumers and healthcare professionals.

Edited by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

Reviewed by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

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