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10/01/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/01/2024 11:12

4 Nurtec ODT Side Effects You Should Know About

Key takeaways:

  • Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is an oral medication that can prevent and treat migraine headaches in adults. It's generally well tolerated and has few side effects.

  • Mild Nurtec ODT side effects include nausea, stomach pain, and indigestion. These usually go away on their own.

  • Very rarely, people have experienced allergic reactions after taking Nurtec ODT. Get immediate medical help if you notice difficulty breathing or swelling of the tongue, mouth, or throat.

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If you've ever experienced a severe headache often accompanied by vision changes, nausea, and severe pain, you're not alone. Migraines are a common health condition. Fortunately, there are several options available to treat and prevent migraines. Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is one example.

Nurtec ODT is used to prevent and treat migraines. It belongs to a group of medications called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists. Nurtec is an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) that dissolves in the mouth and starts working within 15 minutes.

As with all medications, Nurtec ODT can cause side effects. But overall, it's very well tolerated.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

  • How do you take Nurtec ODT? The standard dosages for Nurtec ODT depend on whether you're using it for migraine treatment or prevention.

  • Can you eat grapefruit with Nurtec ODT? Pharmacists review the top Nurtec ODT interactions you should know about.

  • Nurtec ODT alternatives: Nurtec ODT is one of many medications in its class. Read more about CGRP antagonists and how they differ from each other.

Nurtec ODT side effects at a glance

Side effects are relatively uncommon with Nurtec ODT. In clinical trials, even the most common side effects happened to less than 3% of people taking it. So it's possible you may take this medication and have no issues.

Mild Nurtec ODT side effects include:

  • Nausea

  • Stomach pain

  • Indigestion

Talk to your healthcare team if you experience bothersome Nurtec ODT side effects at any point. They can help you decide if the medication's benefits outweigh its risks. In some cases, your prescriber may recommend switching to another migraine medication.

There are no known serious side effects with Nurtec ODT. But in rare cases, people have experienced allergic reactions while taking it. While medication allergies and side effects are two different things, it's still important to know about both.

We'll discuss four Nurtec ODT side effects in more detail below.

1. Nausea

Nausea is a common side effect of many medications. And Nurtec ODT is no exception. Nausea is typically more common when you first start taking the medication. It should be mild and resolve on its own.

If you're routinely taking Nurtec ODT for migraine prevention, nausea should become less noticeable or stop once your body gets used to it. This may not be the case if you take Nurtec ODT for migraine treatment. This is because your body won't acclimate to it as easily with infrequent doses. The medication levels in your body won't be as consistent.

If you experience nausea while taking Nurtec ODT, making small lifestyle changes may help. Taking your dose with food and staying well hydrated are good things to try first. Eating smaller meals throughout the day and avoiding spicy or high-fat foods are other suggestions you can try.

Good to know: Nausea is also a possible symptom of migraines. So it may not be coming from Nurtec ODT. If your nausea seems severe or doesn't go away, contact your prescriber. They may suggest changes to your current migraine medication(s).

2. Stomach pain

Some people taking Nurtec ODT experience stomach pain. Most of the time, it's mild and short lived. And if you're taking Nurtec ODT to prevent migraines, stomach pain should go away as your body adjusts to the medication.

In addition to the tips for managing nausea, lying down or resting may help with stomach pain. But if your pain is severe or doesn't go away, make sure to let your healthcare team know. They may want to evaluate your pain for other causes.

3. Indigestion

Indigestion is another mild Nurtec ODT side effect. Symptoms may include bloating, burping, or feeling full quickly when eating. And they can be quite uncomfortable.

Thankfully, there are several ways that you can manage indigestion at home. Try avoiding or cutting down on foods or drinks that make symptoms worse, such as caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages. You can also ask your healthcare team about over-the-counter indigestion medications, like Gas-X (simethicone).

Indigestion should resolve on its own. And you should find that this side effect lessens or goes away with time if you're taking Nurtec ODT for prevention. But if it doesn't get better, or is just too bothersome, let your healthcare team know.

4. Allergic reactions

Rarely, Nurtec ODT can cause allergic reactions. These reactions can range from mild to serious. Mild symptoms could include skin rashes. More serious reactions may include difficulty breathing and swelling of the mouth, face, or throat.

These symptoms often show up within minutes to hours of taking Nurtec ODT. But in some cases, an allergic reaction can occur days after taking Nurtec ODT.

Allergic reactions to Nurtec ODT always warrant medical attention. Stop taking Nurtec ODT and contact your healthcare team if you start to develop signs of a mild allergic reaction. Your prescriber will likely switch you to another migraine medication. But if you develop serious symptoms, such as shortness of breath or swelling in your face, call 911 or go to the closest ER.

Frequently asked questions

Does Nurtec cause weight gain or weight loss?
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No, Nurtec ODT isn't known to cause significant weight changes. While concerns about weight gain or loss are common with some migraine medications, this doesn't seem to be the case with Nurtec ODT. Weight changes were not reported by people taking Nurtec ODT during clinical trials.

Does Nurtec cause any long-term side effects?
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Clinical studies haven't found Nurtec ODT to cause any serious long-term side effects. Side effects are generally mild and they usually go away after the medication wears off. If you're taking it for migraine prevention, side effects should ease as your body adjusts to the medication.

Can Nurtec make you drowsy?
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Nurtec ODT shouldn't cause drowsiness. People taking it in clinical trials didn't report feeling sleepy. But it's common to feel tired during the "postdrome" phase of a migraine (after the main symptoms start to fade). If you notice excessive drowsiness following a migraine or after taking Nurtec ODT, let your prescriber know. They can help you figure out the cause and next steps you can take.

The bottom line

Mild Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) side effects include nausea, stomach pain, and indigestion. These side effects usually resolve on their own. Rarely, Nurtec ODT can cause allergic reactions. Talk to your healthcare team if you have any concerns about Nurtec ODT side effects. They can help you decide if this migraine medication is the best choice for you.

Why trust our experts?

Makaela Premont, PharmD, is a pharmacist and the founder of uniquelymickie.com, a website dedicated to helping pharmacy students and pharmacists create a life that they enjoy. She received her Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of South Carolina and is a licensed pharmacist in North Carolina.
Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.
Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 8 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

References

American Migraine Foundation. (2018). Migraine hangover.

Croup, R., et al. (2020). Long-term safety of rimegepant 75 mg for the acute treatment of migraine. Neurology.

View All References (4)
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National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2016). Eating, diet, and nutrition for indigestion.

Pavlovic, J., et al. (2020). Rimegepant 75 mg provides early and sustained relief of migraine with a single dose: Results from 3 phase 3 clinical trials. Neurology.

Pfizer Laboratories Division Pfizer Inc. (2024). Nurtec ODT - rimegepant sulfate tablet, orally disintegrating [package insert]. DailyMed.

Taylor, F. R. (2008). Weight change associated with the use of migraine-preventive medications. Clinical Therapeutics.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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