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Nurtec

Generic name: rimegepantri-ME-je-pant ]
Dosage form: orally disintegrating tablets (ODT)
Drug class: CGRP inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Melisa Puckey, BPharm. Last updated on Jul 28, 2022.

What is Nurtec ODT?

Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is a prescription medicine used by adults to treat migraines (with or without aura) when they occur and also to prevent episodic migraines. Nurtec works to reduce migraine symptoms of headache, nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity and sound sensitivity, by blocking CGRP receptors. This medicine may reduce the number of monthly migraine days when taken to prevent episodic migraines.

Nurtec is an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) that dissolves in the mouth without the need to take it with a glass of water. Because the tablet dissolves in the mouth it is absorbed into the bloodstream quickly, with the highest blood concentrations reached after one and a half hours.

Nurtec ODT was first approved by the FDA on February 27, 2020.

Who should not take this medicine?

You should not take Nurtec ODT if you are:

  • allergic to rimegepant or any of the other ingredients contained in the orally disintegrating tablets.

See the end of this page for a complete list of ingredients.

Before taking Nurtec ODT

To make sure Nurtec is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever have or every had:

Tell your doctor or healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if this medicine will harm your unborn baby. See more information below about Nurtec and pregnancy

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk. See more information below about Nurtec and breastfeeding

Nurtec ODT is only approved to be used by adults.

How should I take Nurtec ODT?

Use this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if you have more than 18 headaches in one month (30 days).

Remove an orally disintegrating tablet from the package only when you are ready to take the medicine.

  • Use dry hands when opening the blister pack.
  • Peel back the foil covering of one blister and gently remove the orally disintegrating tablet (ODT). Do not push the tablet through the foil.
  • As soon as the blister is opened, remove the tablet and place it on the tongue; alternatively, the tablet may be placed under the tongue.
  • The ODT will disintegrate in saliva so that it can be swallowed without additional liquid.
  • Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves.
  • Take the tablet immediately after opening the blister pack. Do not store the tablet outside the blister pack for future use.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Dosing information

Acute treatment of migraine when they occur:

  • One tablet (75mg) each day as needed.
  • Maximum of one tablet in a 24-hour period.
  • The safety of using more than 18 doses in a 30-day period is unknown.

Preventative treatment of episodic migraine:

  • One tablet (75mg) every other day (every 48 hours).

Nurtec ODT side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to rimegepant: hives, rash; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

An allergic reaction can be severe, and may occur days after you have taken this medicine (delayed hypersensitivity reactions).

When Nurtec is used for acute treatment of migraine attacks common side effects may include:

When Nurtec is used for preventive treatment of episodic migraine common side effects may include:

  • nausea
  • Indigestion
  • stomach pain

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Nurtec ODT?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

If you use any of the following medicines, avoid taking Nurtec within 48 hours after you last took the other medicine:

This list is not complete and many other drugs may interact with Nurtec ODT. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Nurtec and Pregnancy
Tell you healthcare professional if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if this medicine will harm your unborn baby. Having migraine headaches may cause complications during pregnancy such as dangerously high blood pressure (preeclampsia) that can lead to medical problems in both mother and baby. Your healthcare provider or doctor will help you decide whether the benefit of treating your migraine outweighs any risk to your baby.

There is a pregnancy exposure registry for women who take Nurtec ODT during pregnancy. The study is named MONITOR (Migraine Observational NURTEC Pregnancy Registry). A registry is a study. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about your health and the health of your baby. You may enroll yourself or your healthcare provider can help you enroll in this registry.

Nurtec and Breastfeeding
Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Very small amounts of this medicine will pass into your breast milk. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you take Nurtec ODT.

Storage

Store in the blister package that it comes in.

Store at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets.

What are the ingredients in Nurtec ODT?

Active ingredient: rimegepant.

Inactive ingredients: benzyl alcohol, eucalyptol, gelatin, limonene, mannitol, menthol, menthone, menthyl acetate, sucralose, and vanillin.

Manufactured for:

Biohaven Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

New Haven, CT 06510 USA

Popular FAQ

Nurtec ODT is taken to every other day to prevent a migraine or at the time of a migraine to treat a migraine. Do not take more than 1 tablet in 24 hours or 18 tablets in 30 days.

Nurtec ODT is an orally disintegrating tablet that is placed under the tongue to dissolve.  Continue reading

More FAQ

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.