What is Nurtec ODT Uses, warnings & interactions
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Get started todayNurtec ODT (rimegepant) is a migraine medication that is manufactured by Biohaven Pharmaceuticals, Inc. It was approved in 2020 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acute migraine attacks. It is also used to reduce the number of monthly migraine days when taken as a preventive medication.
If your doctor has prescribed Nurtec ODT to you, you may want to know more about what it is and how it works. Here we’ll explain what Nurtec ODT is used for, how it works, its side effects, and more.
What is Nurtec ODT used for?
Nurtec ODT is a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist that is approved in adults for the:
- acute treatment of migraines with or without aura
- preventive treatment of episodic migraines
How does Nurtec ODT work?
Nurtec ODT is a CGRP receptor blocker. CGRP is a protein found in your brain that is increased during a migraine episode. CGRP causes inflammation in the brain as well as blood vessel dilation. It also increases the pain signals in your brain. Blocking CGRP receptors prevents CGRP from binding to these receptors and causing migraine symptoms..
What are the most commonly prescribed doses of Nurtec ODT?
- 75mg orally disintegrating tablets
Before taking Nurtec ODT
Before taking Nurtec ODT, tell your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, including:
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
- Are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding
How to take Nurtec ODT
- Read the Full Prescribing Info and Medication Guide that comes with Nurtec ODT.
- Take this medication exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes it.
- You can take Nurtec ODT once a day if needed for the acute treatment of migraine attacks. You should not take more than 1 Nurtec ODT in a 24-hour period or 18 doses of Nurtec ODT in 30 days.
- If you are using Nurtec ODT for migraine prevention, you will take 1 tablet every other day.
- Make sure your hands are dry before you open the blister pack containing Nurtec ODT. Peel back the foil to remove the tablet. Do not push the Nurect ODT tablet through the foil. Once removed, take the medication immediately by placing it on or under your tongue.
- Store Nurtec ODT in the blister at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
Nurtec ODT contraindications
You should not use Nurtec ODT if you have a known hypersensitivity to rimegepant or any inactive ingredients in this product.
Nurtec ODT warnings
- Serious allergic reactions have occurred with the use of Nurtec ODT. This reaction may be delayed and happen days after taking this medication.
What drugs should not be taken with Nurtec ODT?
When Nurtec ODT is taken with other medications, it may change how they work or increase the frequency and severity of side effects. You should ask your doctor if any of the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take may cause drug interactions with Nurtec ODT, including:
- Amiodarone
- Carbamazepine
- Clarithromycin
- Itraconazole
- Diltiazem
- Rifampin
- St. John’s wort
- Cyclosporine
- Phenytoin
- Tacrolimus
- Verapamil
What are some possible side effects of Nurtec ODT?
The most common side effects of Nurtec ODT seen in clinical trials when compared to placebo include:
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Indigestion
Nurtec ODT can sometimes cause more serious side effects, including:
- Severe allergic reactions (hives, swelling of the face or throat, and trouble breathing)
Contact your healthcare professional for medical advice about any possible adverse effects you experience while taking Nurtec ODT. You can report your adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Nurtec ODT alternatives
Your doctor can prescribe other medications if Nurtec ODT is not right for you. Some alternative FDA-approved treatment options include:
- Imitrex (sumatriptan)
- Ubrelvy (ubrogepant)
- Qulipta (atogepant)
- Aimovig (erenumab)
- Emgality (galcanezumab)
- Ajovy (fremanezumab)
Nurtec ODT FAQs
Can you take Nurtec ODT while you are pregnant or breastfeeding?
There are no data on the use of Nurtec ODT in pregnant women and the potential risks to the mother and unborn baby. There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women who have taken Nurtec ODT while pregnant. For more information, contact: 1-877-366-0324, email [email protected], or visit nurtecpregnancyregistry.com. A lactation study was conducted and found that Nurtect ODT is excreted in breast milk but there is no data on the effects it may have on breastfed infants. You should always discuss the risks and benefits of any medication with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Is Nurtec ODT a narcotic?
Nurtec ODT is not a narcotic and will not cause addiction.
How effective is Nurtec ODT?
According to the manufacturer, clinical studies showed that Nurtec ODT starts working in a few minutes to provide migraine pain relief and 38% of patients returned to normal activities in 2 hours. After 4 hours, 54% had returned to normal activities. Many Nurtec ODT patients also saw a 30% reduction in weekly migraine days during the first week.
How does Nurtec ODT compare to Imitrex?
Nurtec ODT and Imitrex work differently to treat migraine symptoms from an active migraine headache. Nurtec ODT can also be used as a preventive treatment for episodic migraines while Imitrex is not. Imitrex is available in multiple dosage forms such as tablets and injections while Nurtec ODT is only available as an orally disintegrating tablet. The other biggest difference is price. Imitrex is available as a generic and it is significantly cheaper than the brand name only Nurtec ODT.
Is Nurtec ODT a triptan?
No, Nurtec ODT works differently than triptans such as Imitrex (sumatriptan). It is considered a CGRP receptor antagonist.
How much does Nurtec ODT cost?
Currently, there is a generic Nurtec ODT available on the market. The average cost of #8 Nurtec ODT 75mg is approximately $900. However, you can save on brand-name drugs like Nurtec ODT through NiceRx if eligible for assistance.
