5 Outdated Migraine Medications You May Want to Upgrade
Some migraine medications have largely been replaced by safer or more effective options. Learn about the newer treatments available today with this guide.
Zavzpret
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.
What is Zavzpret (zavegepant)?
What is Zavzpret (zavegepant) used for?
- Migraine attacks with or without aura in adults
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 Brands | Zavzpret |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor blocker |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Zavzpret (zavegepant) essentials
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%)
Zavzpret (zavegepant) 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
More on Zavzpret (zavegepant) side effects
The following Zavzpret (zavegepant) 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
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Pros and cons of Zavzpret (zavegepant)
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
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 for Zavzpret (zavegepant)
- 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).
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.
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.
Zavzpret (zavegepant) dosage
The average cost for 1 carton of 6 nasal sprays of 10mg of Zavzpret (zavegepant) is $0.00 with a free GoodRx coupon.
Carton
Carton| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 nasal sprays of 10mg | 1 carton | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Typical dosage 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.
How much does Zavzpret (zavegepant) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Zavzpret (brand)
$0.00
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.
News about Zavzpret (zavegepant)
4 Zavzpret Side Effects to Consider: Taste Changes, Nausea, and More
Read on to learn the side effects of Zavzpret nasal spray for migraines, including common and rare side effects, and how to manage them.
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9 Things to Know About Zavzpret: A New Nasal Spray for Migraine Treatment
The FDA approved Pfizer’s new intranasal migraine spray Zavzpret (zavegepant). Get info on how zavegepant works, plus its safety and efficacy, at GoodRx.
