Nurtec ODT is a prescription medicine used to treat migraine in adults. Its active ingredient is rimegepant, which belongs to a group of medicines called CGRP receptor antagonists.
CGRP is a substance involved in migraine pain and inflammation. Nurtec ODT works by blocking CGRP receptors, which can help relieve migraine symptoms and reduce how often migraine attacks happen.
Nurtec ODT is taken by mouth as an orally disintegrating tablet. This means the tablet dissolves in the mouth and does not need to be swallowed whole.
Indications for use
Nurtec ODT is approved in the US for adults with migraine. It can be used for:
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Acute treatment of migraine with or without aura, to help treat a migraine attack after it starts.
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Preventive treatment of episodic migraine, to help lower the number of migraine days over time.
Nurtec ODT is not used to treat all types of headaches. A doctor can confirm whether symptoms are due to migraine and whether this medicine is appropriate.
How it works
Nurtec ODT contains rimegepant, a CGRP receptor antagonist. CGRP is a protein that plays an important role in migraine attacks.
By blocking CGRP receptors, Nurtec ODT may help reduce migraine pain and other migraine symptoms. When used for prevention, it may also help reduce the number of migraine days.
How to take it
Nurtec ODT comes as an orally disintegrating tablet. The tablet should be placed in the mouth and allowed to dissolve.
It can be taken with or without food. The tablet should not be crushed or split unless a doctor or pharmacist gives specific instructions.
Dosing for acute migraine treatment:
For treating a migraine attack, the usual dose is 75 mg taken as needed.
Only one 75 mg tablet should be taken in 24 hours. The safety of taking more than 18 doses in 30 days has not been established.
Dosing for migraine prevention:
For prevention of episodic migraine, the usual dose is 75 mg every other day.
The medicine should be taken exactly as prescribed. Taking it more often than recommended can increase the risk of side effects or drug interactions.
Possible side effects
Nurtec ODT is generally well tolerated in clinical studies, but side effects can happen.
Possible side effects include:
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Nausea
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Abdominal pain
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Indigestion or dyspepsia
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Urinary tract infection
Allergic reactions can also occur. Signs may include rash, itching, swelling, or trouble breathing, and these symptoms require urgent medical attention.
Contraindications for use
Nurtec ODT should not be used by people who have had a serious allergic reaction to rimegepant or to any ingredient in the medicine.
A doctor should review a person’s medical history before prescribing Nurtec ODT, especially in cases of severe liver disease or end-stage kidney disease.
Drug interactions and precautions
Nurtec ODT may interact with some medicines that affect how rimegepant is processed in the body. These include certain CYP3A4 inhibitors, CYP3A4 inducers, and P-gp or BCRP inhibitors.
These interactions can raise or lower rimegepant levels in the body. A doctor or pharmacist should review all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements before treatment starts.