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Zavzpret

zavegepant
Used for Migraine
Used for Migraine

Zavzpret (zavegepant) is a nasal spray medication that's used to treat migraine attacks in adults. It can start to work as soon as 15 minutes and last all day for some people. The most common side effect is changes in taste or loss of taste, but it's temporary.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on June 21, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostAlternativesLatest newsReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Zavzpret (zavegepant)?

What is Zavzpret (zavegepant) used for?

How Zavzpret (zavegepant) works

Zavzpret (zavegepant) is a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor blocker. High levels of a substance in our bodies called CGRP cause pain and inflammation, which commonly leads to migraines. Zavzpret (zavegepant) blocks CGRP, which is thought to prevent pain and inflammation, leading to migraine relief.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsZavzpret
Drug ClassCalcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor blocker
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Zavzpret (zavegepant) essentials

Zavzpret: closeup hand Zavzpret-Product 2400

9 Things to Know About Zavzpret: A New Nasal Spray for Migraine Treatment

Written by Sonja Jacobsen, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP
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Avg retail price
$1350.43(save 20.82%)
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$1069.32
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What are the side effects of Zavzpret (zavegepant)?

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

  • Changes in taste or loss of taste (18%)
  • Nausea (4%)
  • Discomfort in the nose (3%)
  • Vomiting (2%)

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, difficulty breathing

Source: DailyMed

More on Zavzpret (zavegepant) side effects

Zavzpret: side effects zavzpret

4 Zavzpret Side Effects to Consider: Taste Changes, Nausea, and More

Written by Celine Kwan, PharmD Candidate

The following 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):

  • Change in taste
  • Dryness or irritation inside the nose
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Zavzpret (zavegepant)

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Pros

Can start to work within 15 minutes and lasts all day

Comes as a ready-to-use nasal spray

Good option for people who prefer not use tablets or injections

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Cons

Hasn't been studied in children

Not able to repeat a dose on the same day if you're still having migraine pain after use

Can cause changes in taste

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Zavzpret (zavegepant)

pharmacist

  • Zavzpret (zavegepant) can cause changes in taste, including loss of taste. If you experience these taste changes, they'll usually go away eventually. Contact your provider if this side effect is too bothersome for you.

    • If you need to use a decongestant nasal spray, like phenylephrine or oxymetazoline (Afrin), use it at least 1 hour after you take Zavzpret (zavegepant). Using these decongestant nasal sprays with Zavzpret (zavegepant) can lower how much Zavzpret (zavegepant) that gets absorbed into your body. This can make the migraine medication not work as well for you.

      • Store Zavzpret (zavegepant) at room temperature in the original container. Don't freeze the nasal spray to avoid damaging the medication.

        How to use Zavzpret (zavegepant)

        • Make sure you know how to use the Zavzpret (zavegepant) nasal spray properly. This helps you to avoid accidentally hurting yourself or wasting the medication. Read the Instructions for Use, and contact your provider or pharmacist if you have any questions on how to use Zavzpret (zavegepant).

          • Before using Zavzpret (zavegepant), blow your nose gently. Then, close one nostril by pressing your finger against it, and insert the tip of the spray nozzle into your other nostril. Keep your head level when you spray the medication into your nostril and breathe in with your mouth closed.

            • After you use Zavzpret (zavegepant), remove the nasal spray from your nostril. Keep your head level while you breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth for 10 to 20 seconds.

              • If you feel something dripping from your nose, gently sniff so that you don't lose any medication that you just took. Also avoid blowing your nose for at least 15 minutes after using Zavzpret (zavegepant).

                • Each Zavzpret (zavegepant) nasal spray device contains enough medication for one dose. After you spray the medication into your nostril, throw away the nasal spray into the trash. Use a new nasal spray the next time you need to take Zavzpret (zavegepant).

                  faqs

                  Frequently asked questions about Zavzpret (zavegepant)

                  How well does Zavzpret (zavegepant) work for migraines?
                  In clinical studies looking at how well the medication works, almost 60% of people felt pain relief two hours after they took Zavzpret (zavegepant). In fact, 24% of people reported being completely pain free at that point in time. What's more, 40% of people reported that their eye sensitivity to light (photophobia) and nausea were also gone two hours after they took the medication. Keep in mind that everyone responds differently to medications, including Zavzpret (zavegepant). Contact your provider if you're concerned with how well Zavzpret (zavegepant) is working for you.
                  How long does Zavzpret (zavegepant) take to work?
                  Clinical studies showed that Zavzpret (zavegepant) can start to work to relieve migraine pain in as early as 15 minutes. Many people were able to go about their daily lives again after about 30 minutes of taking Zavzpret (zavegepant). But keep in mind that it could take 2 hours or more to feel the full effects of the medication.
                  How long does Zavzpret (zavegepant) last?
                  In clinical studies, some people who took Zavzpret (zavegepant) were pain free for 24 hours. Others even continued to be pain free for up to 48 hours after their Zavzpret (zavegepant) dose.
                  How often can you take Zavzpret (zavegepant)?
                  You can take one dose of Zavzpret (zavegepant) within a 24-hour period. In addition, you can use Zavzpret (zavegepant) for up to 8 migraines per month. If you're experiencing multiple migraines a month, let your provider know. They can talk to you about what other treatment options you have for your migraines. Your provider can also discuss with you about possibly getting treatment to prevent migraines.
                  Can you take Zavzpret (zavegepant) with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)?
                  Yes, it's generally considered safe to take Zavzpret (zavegepant) with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). These medications all work completely differently to relieve migraines and don't appear to interact with each other. Taking Zavzpret (zavegepant) with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can potentially work even better to relieve migraines than taking any of these medications alone. But keep in mind that these other pain relievers also have their own risks (e.g., liver risks, heart risks, kidney problems). Before using other pain medications with Zavzpret (zavegepant), speak with your healthcare provider to make sure it's safe for you to do so.
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                  What are the risks and warnings for Zavzpret (zavegepant)?

                  Zavzpret (zavegepant) 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.

                  risk-warning

                  Allergic reactions

                  Allergic reactions to Zavzpret (zavegepant) are possible, including facial swelling and hives. Reactions might also include anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). If you notice dizziness, a choking sensation, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the lips or tongue after using Zavzpret (zavegepant), get medical attention right away.

                  dosage

                  Zavzpret (zavegepant) dosage forms

                  The average cost for 1 carton of 6 nasal sprays of 10mg of Zavzpret (zavegepant) is $1069.32 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 20.82% off the average retail price of $1350.43.
                  carton
                  Carton
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  6 nasal sprays of 10mg1 carton$1069.32$1069.32

                  Typical dosing for Zavzpret (zavegepant)

                  Each spray contains 10 mg of zavegepant.

                  The typical dose is 1 spray (10 mg) in one nostril as needed for when you have a migraine attack. The maximum dose is 1 spray in a 24-hour period.

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                  How much does Zavzpret (zavegepant) cost?

                  To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                  Zavzpret (brand)
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                  $1069.32

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                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Zavzpret (zavegepant)?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Zavzpret (zavegepant). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  Zavzpret (zavegepant)
                  Used for:
                  $1069.32 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Nurtec ODT (rimegepant)
                  Used for:
                  $1005.75 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Sumatriptan nasal spray
                  Used for:

                  • Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults

                  $670.20 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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                  References

                  Best studies we found

                  Dhillon, S. (2023). Zavegepant: First approval. Drugs.

                  Noor, N., et al. (2022). A comprehensive review of zavegepant as abortive treatment for migraine. Health Psychology Research.

                  Pfizer Laboratories Div Pfizer Inc. (2023). Zavzpret- zavegepant spray [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  View All References (2)

                  Pfizer Labs. (2023). Instructions for use- Zavzpret [zav-spret] (zavegepant) nasal spray for nasal use only.

                  Wattiez, A. S., et al. (2020). Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP): Role in migraine pathophysiology and therapeutic targeting. Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets.

                  GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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