Nurtec ODT vs Ubrelvy

Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT are brand names for medicines used by adults for migraine prevention.

They are new treatments from the group of medicines often called gepants (their full name is calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist).

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 a migraine medication manufactured by Biohaven Pharmaceuticals Inc. Nurtec ODT contains the prescription drug rimegepant sulfate. It has FDA approval for the acute treatment of migraine attacks, with or without aura, in adults. It is also used as a preventive treatment for episodic migraine.

The active ingredient of Nurtec ODT is rimegepant. It is classed as a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors block the effect of CGRP. CRGP is a small protein that is widespread in the sensory nerves that supply the head and neck. It is involved in the transmission of pain, and CRGP levels increase during a migraine attack. 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.

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

What is Ubrelvy?

Ubrelvy is an FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved medication manufactured by Allergan USA, Inc. It is a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist indicated for the acute treatment of migraine headaches with or without aura in adults. It is not recommended for the preventive treatment of migraine attacks. Ubrelvy contains ubrogepant as the active ingredient. It belongs to a class of drugs called antimigraine agents; CGRP receptor antagonists.

Ubrelvy dosage

Ubrelvy is available in tablet form, in the following doses: 50 mg, and 100 mg.

The recommended dose is 50 mg or 100 mg orally, as needed. If needed, a second dose may be administered at least 2 hours after the initial dose. The maximum dose in a 24-hour period is 200 mg. For severe hepatic or renal impairment, the recommended dose is 50 mg if needed. A second 50 mg dose may be taken at least 2 hours after the initial dose.

Please see the full prescribing information and patient information, and always speak with a healthcare professional for medical advice about any changes to your dose so they can monitor and evaluate your condition.

Common side effects of Nurtec ODT and Ubrelvy

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

• Nausea – with continued use of Nurtec ODT this side effect may go away. However, nausea is also a common migraine symptom

More serious side effects of Nurtec ODT include:

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

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

• Nausea
• Tiredness
• Dry mouth
• Somnolence

More serious side effects of Ubrelvy include

• Allergic reaction – hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat

These aren’t all the side effects Nurtec ODT or Ubrelvy 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 a pharmacist.

Nurtec ODT and Ubrelvy 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

Ubrelvy can interact with other medications. These include:

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors – ketoconazole, clarithromycin, itraconazole
• Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors – cyclosporine, ciprofloxacin, fluconazole, fluvoxamine, verapamil, grapefruit juice
• Strong CYP3A4 inducers – phenytoin, barbiturates, rifampin, St. John’s Wort

Nurtec ODT and Ubrelvy can interact with other medications. This can change how Nurtec ODT and Ubrelvy 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 Ubrelvy 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 you take Nurtec ODT if you:

• Are taking any of the medications that could interact with Nurtec ODT such as triptans
• 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 Ubrelvy if you:

• Are allergic to the active ingredient ubrogepant
• Have had an allergic reaction to any of the other ingredients in Ubrelvy
• Have end-stage renal disease

Talk to your doctor about your medical conditions before using Ubrelvy if you:

• Are taking any of the medications that could interact with Ubrelvy
• Have liver problems
• Have kidney disease
• Are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding or are planning to breastfeed

Other drugs for migraine

• Aimovig (erenumab)
• Ajovy (fremanezumab)
• Botox
• Emgality (galcanezumab)
• Imitrex (sumatriptan)
• Maxalt (rizatriptan)
• Qulipta (atogepant)
• Reyvow (lasmiditan)
• Vyepti (eptinezumab)

If you have any concerns about Nurtec ODT or Ubrelvy 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.