Nurtec ODT vs Sumatriptan

Nurtec ODT is the brand name for a prescription drug used for the acute treatment of migraine in adults. It belongs to the class of migraine medication called the gepants. Sumatriptan is the active ingredient found in brand-name drugs such as Imitrex. It is also available in its non-branded (generic version). It belongs to the drug class known as triptans, and is also used for the treatment of migraine headaches.

Here we will explain how they work, their similarities and differences, their side effects, and more. This should provide you with the basics to better understand your options.

What is Nurtec ODT?

Nurtec ODT is an FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved medication manufactured by Biohaven Pharmaceuticals Inc. Nurtec ODT contains the prescription drug rimegepant sulfate. It has FDA approval for the acute and preventive treatment of migraine pain, with or without aura in adults. It is also used as a treatment for episodic migraine prevention.

The active ingredient of Nurtec ODT is rimegepant. It belongs to the drug class known as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors block the effect of CGRP, a small protein widespread in the sensory nerves that supply the head and neck. CGRP is involved in the transmission of pain. CRGP may also play a part in the onset of migraine attacks. CGRP inhibitors are used to manage pain relief for migraines.

Nurtec ODT dosage

Nurtec ODT is available in the form of orally disintegrating tablets, in the following doses: 75 mg.

Place the tablet either on or under your tongue and allow it to dissolve. You do not need to take this medication with water or other liquid. Do not store this medication outside the blister pack for future use. Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.

Always speak with your healthcare provider about any changes to your dose so they can monitor and evaluate your condition.

What is Sumatriptan?

Sumatriptan is an FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved medication manufactured by various generic manufacturers. It is used for the treatment of migraines and cluster headaches in adults. Sumatriptan is not a preventative medication for migraines and will not reduce the number of attacks you have.

Sumatriptan works by narrowing the blood vessels around the brain. It also reduces substances in your body that could trigger headache pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, as well as other migraine symptoms.

Sumatriptan dosage

Sumatriptan is available as oral tablets, subcutaneous solution, subcutaneous kits, nasal sprays, nasal capsules, or extended-release transdermal film in a range of doses.

Use sumatriptan exactly as directed. Never use more than your recommended dose. Overuse can make your headaches worse. Let your doctor know if the medicine stops working for your migraine attacks.

Read the prescribing information provided with your medication. The instructions for use will be based on the form of sumatriptan you are using. Do not use sumatriptan if you do not understand the instructions. Speak to your healthcare provider if you are not sure how to use your medication.

Common side effects of Nurtec ODT and sumatriptan

The most common side effects of Nurtec ODT in clinical trials compared to placebo include:

• Nausea

More serious side effects of Nurtec ODT include:

• Trouble breathing
• Swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat

The most common side effects of sumatriptan in clinical trials include:

• Reactions at the injection site
• Dizziness, drowsiness
• Feeling weak or tired
• Neck stiffness or pain

More serious side effects of sumatriptan include

• Sudden severe stomach pain and bloody diarrhea
• Severe chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats
• Seizures
• Blood circulation problems in your legs or feet
• Symptoms of heart attack – chest pain or pressure spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating
• Increased serotonin levels in the body – hallucinations, fast heart rate, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, fainting
• Increased blood pressure
• Signs of a stroke – sudden numbness or weakness (especially down one side of the body), slurred speech, problems with vision or balance

These aren’t all the side effects Nurtec ODT or sumatriptan can cause. You can find more details in the patient leaflet that comes with your medication. If you have any concerns about side effects, talk to your physician or pharmacist.

Nurtec ODT and sumatriptan drug interactions

Nurtec ODT can interact with other medications. These include:

• Strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 – clarithromycin, erythromycin, itraconazole, verapamil, grapefruit
• Strong or moderate inducers of CYP3A – phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampicin, St. John’s Wort
• Inhibitors of P-gp or BCRP – amiodarone, ciclosporin, diltiazem, lansoprazole, ritonavir, nelfinavir

Sumatriptan can interact with other medications. These include:

• Other treatments for migraine – almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan
• Ergot medicine – dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergonovine
• Treatment for depression – amitriptyline, citalopram, fluoxetine
• Treatment for Parkinson’s disease
• St. John’s wort
• Opioid painkillers – fentanyl, tramadol

Nurtec ODT and sumatriptan can interact with other medications. This can change how Nurtec ODT and sumatriptan and other medications work and can make side effects more likely. Tell your prescribing physician about all your drugs, including vitamins and dietary supplements.

Nurtec ODT and sumatriptan contraindications

You should not use Nurtec ODT if you:

• Are allergic to the active ingredient rimegepant
• Are allergic to any of the other ingredients in Nurtec ODT

Talk to your doctor before using Nurtec ODT if you:

• Are taking any of the medications that could interact with Nurtec ODT
• Have liver problems
• Have kidney problems
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant – your doctor will recommend appropriate treatment options for you
• Are breastfeeding or are planning to breastfeed

You should not use sumatriptan if you:

• Are allergic to the active ingredient sumatriptan
• Are allergic to any of the other ingredients in the formulation
• Have ever had heart disease, coronary artery disease, blood circulation problems, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, or uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Have had a heart attack or stroke
• Have severe liver disease
• Are having headaches different from your usual migraine headaches
• Have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days – isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine
• Are younger than 18 years old

Talk to your doctor before using sumatriptan if you:

• Are taking any of the medications that could interact with sumatriptan
• Have liver or kidney disease
• Suffer from seizures
• Have high blood pressure
• Have a heart rhythm disorder
• Have other risk factors such as diabetes, menopause, being overweight, high cholesterol, a family history of coronary artery disease, or being older than 40 and a man
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed

Other drugs for migraine treatment

• Imitrex (sumatriptan)
• Aimovig (erenumab-aooe)
• Ajovy (fremanezumab)
• Amerge (naratriptan)
• Botox
• Emgality (galcanezumab)
• Maxalt (rizatriptan)
• Reyvow (lasmiditan)
• Ubrelvy (ubrogepant)
• Vyepti (eptinezumab)
• Zomig (zolmitriptan)

If you have any concerns about Nurtec ODT or sumatriptan side effects, talk to your physician, or pharmacist for medical advice. Also inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions, supplements, and over-the-counter meds you are taking. You are also encouraged to report side effects to the FDA: visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.