Nurtec ODT (Rimegepant) – Oral

What Is Nurtec ODT?

Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is a disintegrating tablet (ODT) taken by mouth that's used to treat and prevent migraines, a leading cause of disability worldwide. It belongs to the drug class called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists. Nurtec ODT works to prevent migraines by blocking special receptors in the brain. It also stops inflammation of blood vessels and the brain during a migraine attack.

Rimegepant is used in people who cannot use drugs in the triptan family, including people who have had a stroke, heart attack, or other heart issues. This drug is only available as a prescription. Its inactive ingredients include:

• Benzyl alcohol
• Eucalyptol
• Gelatin
• Limonene
• Mannitol
• Menthol
• Menthone
• Menthyl acetate
• Sucralose
• Vanillin

What Is Nurtec ODT Used For?

Nurtec ODT is used to treat acute migraine headaches when they occur, and also to prevent episodic migraine headaches in adults. Migraines affect about 12% of the U.S. population; worldwide estimates are higher. The economic cost of migraine in the U.S. has been estimated to be upwards of $11.07 billion.

For acute migraines, the recommended, maximum dose of Nurtec ODT within 24 hours is one 75 milligram (mg) tablet.

For migraine prevention, taking Nurtec ODT once every other day is suggested.

It is unknown if treating more than 18 migraines in a 30-day period with Nurtec ODT is safe.

How to Take Nurtec ODT

Peel the foil covering with clean, dry hands. Gently remove the tablet from the blister pack. Do not push Nurtec ODT through the foil. Your pill may come out crumbled and not intact.

Once the blister is open, place the tablet on your tongue. Do not store the tablet outside its blister pack for future use. Dissolve one 75 mg tablet by mouth on or under your tongue, as directed by your healthcare provider. Your saliva will break the tablet down so that you will likely not need additional liquid to help you swallow it.

Do not take more than one Nurtec ODT tablet daily.

Storage

Store in a dry place at room temperature (68–77 degrees Fahrenheit). Temporarily storing in temperatures between 59 degrees and 86 degrees is permitted for short periods. Do not store it in your bathroom. Leave the tablet in its original foil pouch until ready to use. 

Keep your medicine out of reach of children and pets—and preferably locked.

Throw away all expired and unused drugs. Ask your pharmacist about the best ways to dispose of your medicine. Check out local drug take-back programs in your area.

What Are the Side Effects of Nurtec ODT?

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. A healthcare provider can advise you on side effects. If you experience other effects, contact your pharmacist or a healthcare provider. You may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at fda.gov/medwatch or 800-FDA-1088.

Most people notice no negative side effects when taking Nurtec ODT. However, some people do.

Common Side Effects

The common side effect of Nurtec ODT include:

• Nausea
• Indigestion
• Stomach pain

Severe Side Effects

Nurtec ODT may cause serious side effects in some people. Severe side effects of Nurtec ODT include symptoms of an allergic reaction like:

• Trouble breathing
• Skin rash or hives
• Chest and throat tightness
• Swollen lips, face, throat, mouth, or tongue

Dosage: How Much of Nurtec ODT Should I Take?

Modification

Pregnancy: People who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant should not use Nurtec ODT for migraine prevention or treatment.

Data gathering to track pregnancy and baby outcomes after exposure to rimegepant is ongoing. The Nurtec ODT Pregnancy Registry encourages healthcare practitioners to enroll people who have been exposed to rimegepant during pregnancy (877-366-0324 or nurtecpregnancyregistry.com).

Breastfeeding: Rimegepant is present in breast milk and may harm your infant. Therefore, the use of Nurtec ODT in breastfeeding people is not recommended. Talk with your healthcare provider about alternative ways to feed your baby.

Children: It is unknown if Nurtec ODT is safe or effective in children.

People over the age of 65: Clinical studies did not include a sufficient number of people in this age group to see whether they respond differently from younger people.

Missed Dose

Only take as needed or as directed by your healthcare provider. If you miss a dose, take the missed dose once you think of it. Skip the missed dose if it is too close to your next dose. Return to your regular time. Do not take more than one dose or extra doses at a time.

Overdose: What Happens If I Use Too Much Nurtec ODT?

There is limited information available about Nurtec ODT overdose.

Precautions

What Are Reasons I Shouldn't Use Nurtec ODT?

Nurtec ODT may not be suitable for everyone. Do not use this drug if you have:

• Severe liver disease
• End-stage kidney disease
• A positive pregnancy test or if you're breastfeeding
• Hypersensitivity to Nurtec ODT's main ingredient, rimegepant, or any of the ingredients in Nurtec ODT

What Other Medications Interact With Nurtec ODT?

Taking Nurtec ODT with certain medicines may increase its side effects or reduce how well it works. Avoid taking Nurtec ODT with (or within 48 hours of taking) drugs, supplements, foods, or plant-based medicines like:

• Biaxin (clarithromycin)
• Ery-Tab (erythromycin)
• Cardizem (diltiazem)
• Sporanox (itraconazole)
• Norvir (ritonavir)
• Calan SR (verapamil)
• Luminal (phenobarbital)
• Dilantin (phenytoin)
• Rifadin (rifampicin)
• Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis, a plant in the buttercup family)
• Grapefruit
• Saint John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)

What Medications Are Similar?

Other oral drugs similar to Nurtec ODT used to prevent or treat migraines include:

• Relpax (eletriptan)
• Vyepti (eptinezumab)
• Aimovig (erenumab)
• Ergomar (ergotamine)
• Migergot (ergotamine and caffeine)
• Frova (frovatriptan)
• Amerge (naratriptan)
• Maxalt (rizatriptan) 
• Imitrex (sumatriptan)
• Ubrelvy (ubrogepant)
• Zomig (zolmitriptan)

Ask your pharmacist or a healthcare practitioner if you have questions.

How Can I Stay Healthy While Using Nurtec ODT?

Migraines can be disabling and self-limiting at times. Although Nurtec ODT can prevent or treat your migraine symptoms, it commonly causes nausea. Medications like Zofran (ondansetron) and Phenergan (romethazine) and preparations such as ginger may help to relieve your nausea symptoms.

Nurtec ODT interacts with various medicines, including over-the-counter supplements and plant-based medicines like goldenseal, grapefruit, and Saint John's wort. Do not start, stop, or adjust any medication without speaking with your healthcare provider.

When living with migraines, self-care is important. This can include eating a balanced diet, getting movement (exercise) in your day, and even speaking with a licensed mental health provider for additional emotional or psychological support.

Sometimes foods can trigger a migraine. Be sure to keep a diary of foods you eat and symptoms experienced, if any. If you feel that you need further guidance or support concerning food, nutrition, or your eating patterns, consult your healthcare provider and a registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN).