4 Zavzpret Side Effects to Consider: Taste Changes, Nausea, and More
Key takeaways:
Zavzpret (zavegepant) is a prescription nasal spray that’s used to treat migraines in adults. This medication acts quickly to relieve migraine pain in as little as 15 minutes.
The most common side effect of Zavzpret is temporary taste changes. You may also notice some nasal discomfort and nausea, but these should be relatively short-lived too.
You should only administer Zavzpret if you’re experiencing migraine pain. You shouldn’t use it for migraine prevention, and make sure to avoid administering more than 1 spray (10 mg) every 24 hours. Doing so raises the risk of experiencing side effects.
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Table of contents
Zavzpret (zavegepant) is a prescription medication that’s used to treat migraines with or without aura in adults. A calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonist, Zavzpret works by blocking a natural molecule in the body that causes migraines.
Many people find this nasal spray to be helpful and convenient to use. It also works relatively quickly; migraine relief may set in within 15 minutes of administering a dose. Some side effects may set in after you administer a dose too, though.
Zavzpret side effects at a glance
Zavzpret is a well tolerated medication overall. However, as with any medication, some side effects are still possible.
Possible Zavzpret side effects and risks include:
Taste changes
Nasal discomfort
Nausea and vomiting
Allergic reactions
Here, we’ll dive deeper into these four notable side effects of Zavzpret and steps you can take to manage them.
1. Taste changes
The most common side effect of Zavzpret is temporary taste changes or taste disorders. Having an unpleasant sensation in your mouth, also known as dysgeusia, can cause food to taste sour, bitter, or metallic. Ageusia, or complete loss of taste, can also occur.
Some tips to overcome taste changes include:
Mixing up food textures: Eating foods with different textures — such as crunchy, crumbly, or soft — can allow your senses to notice differences in food, potentially amplifying their taste.
Altering the temperature of foods: Making foods hot or cold may help your body recognize their taste profiles.
Increasing the amount of acidity in your diet: Acidity, such as lemon juice, may stimulate saliva production, which protects taste receptors that allow you to taste.
Migraines 101: Understand what makes migraines with or without aura different from other migraines.
CGRP antagonist overview: Learn more about oral and injectable migraine medications that work the same way as Zavzpret.
Other migraine treatments and remedies: Zavzpret is only one option to consider for acute migraine pain. Here’s an overview of various ways to relieve migraines.
2. Nasal discomfort
Many medications that are administered into the nose, including Zavzpret, may cause some degree of nasal discomfort. This is a natural part of the administration process, but the discomfort should subside relatively quickly on its own.
Administering the nasal spray correctly may help prevent some of this discomfort. For instance, blow your nose gently each time before you administer the medication. Then, with one hand, hold the plunger with your thumb and place one finger on each side of the nozzle. Close one nostril with your free hand and slowly breathe in through your nose. Administer the dose by pushing the plunger with your thumb, keeping your head upright and mouth closed. Make sure to keep the nozzle in your nose until the dose is fully released.
Good to know: Do not prime or test the spray before administering it. Each device is meant for a single use. Once the dose is sprayed, the medication will be gone.
3. Nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are also potential side effects of Zavzpret.
If you start to feel nauseated, try to stay hydrated. It may seem simple, but drinking more water and electrolyte drinks can help ease your symptoms. Doing so also lowers the odds of dehydration, which would also make nausea worse.
Eating spicy foods, foods high in fat, and large meals can make nausea worse. So it’s best to avoid them. Consider eating bland foods that are easier on your stomach. Another option is trying ginger or peppermint products; some people find them to be helpful in relieving nausea.
Over-the counter medications, such as Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) and Dramamine (dimenhydrinate), as well as certain prescription medications, may also be taken to relieve symptoms of nausea when needed. Ask a healthcare professional if any medications like these would be safe for you to try.
4. Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions aren’t a true medication side effect. But they’ve been occasionally reported by people receiving Zavzpret. Thankfully, they’re very uncommon. If you know you’re allergic to Zavzpret or one of its ingredients, you should not use it.
Hives are one possible reaction. They appear as itchy and raised bumps on the skin. Some methods to relieve hives include applying a cool compress, aloe vera gel, or Benadryl (diphenhydramine) cream to the affected areas. Facial swelling and trouble breathing — signs of anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction — are also possible.
If you develop relatively mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, stop using the medication and contact a healthcare professional right away. If your symptoms feel severe, it’s better to call 911 or go to the nearest ER.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, when used as directed, Zavzpret is considered to be a safe medication for the treatment of acute migraine pain in adults. The maximum recommended dose is 1 spray (10 mg) as needed in 1 nostril every 24 hours. It’s not recommended to use more than 8 sprays (doses) of Zavzpret in a 30-day period.
You should avoid using Zavzpret if you have severe kidney or liver problems. And, Zavzpret hasn’t been tested in children, so it’s only recommended for adults 18 years of age and older.
It’s not likely. There isn’t much research that suggests Zavzpret causes blood pressure changes. If you have high blood pressure, this medication shouldn’t worsen your blood pressure readings. However, if your blood pressure becomes higher than normal after starting Zavzpret, let your prescriber know.
Zavzpret is delivered through the nose. This is beneficial if you want to avoid an injectable or oral migraine treatment. It also works fairly quickly, often within 15 minutes, and its effects may last for up to 2 days. This medication is portable too. It comes in a small, single-use package that’s conveniently stored at room temperature.
The bottom line
Zavzpret (zavegepant) nasal spray is a safe and effective medication that can quickly relieve migraine pain in adults. It’s generally well tolerated, but it occasionally causes side effects. Possible Zavzpret side effects include taste changes, nasal discomfort, and nausea. Allergic reactions are rare, but they’ve been reported in some cases. Talk to a healthcare professional if side effects become bothersome or severe at any point.
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References
Lipton, R. B., et al. (2023). Safety, tolerability, and efficacy of zavegepant 10 mg nasal spray for the acute treatment of migraine in the USA: a phase 3, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled multicentre trial. The Lancet Neurology.
Pfizer. (2024). Zavzpret- zavegepant spray [package insert].
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