Nurtec ODT (Rimegepant)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Nurtec ODT Used For?
Nurtec ODT is a medication specifically designed to help adults manage migraine headaches. It contains rimegepant, which targets a specific pathway involved in migraine attacks.
Primary Uses
Nurtec ODT is used to treat migraine attacks once they start and to prevent future migraine attacks in adults. It works for migraines both with and without aura (warning signs that occur before the headache).
How It Works
Nurtec ODT works by blocking the activity of a substance called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). People with migraines often have increased levels of CGRP. By reducing CGRP activity, Nurtec ODT can stop an active migraine attack and decrease the number of future attacks when taken preventively.
Dual Purpose: Nurtec ODT is unique because it can both treat a migraine attack when it happens and prevent future attacks when taken regularly.
How to Take Nurtec ODT
Nurtec ODT is an orally disintegrating tablet that dissolves on your tongue without needing water. It can be taken with or without food.
Dosage Instructions
For treating a migraine attack: Take one tablet (75 mg) as needed, but no more than once daily. For preventing migraines: Take one tablet (75 mg) every other day. Never take more than one tablet in a 24-hour period. Use dry hands when opening the blister pack. Peel back the foil and gently remove the tablet – don’t push it through the foil. Place the tablet on or under your tongue where it will dissolve completely.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you’re taking Nurtec ODT for migraine prevention and miss a dose, skip the missed dose if it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose. Take your next dose at the regular time.
Important: Never take more than one tablet in 24 hours, even if you took one for prevention and then need one for treatment.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- nausea
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- allergic reactions including skin rash and itching
- shortness of breath, wheezing, or coughing
- swelling of face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- difficulty swallowing or breathing
Important Warnings
Before taking Nurtec ODT, it’s important to discuss your medical history and current medications with your healthcare provider.
Who Should Not Take Nurtec ODT
Do not take Nurtec ODT if you are allergic to rimegepant or any other ingredients in the medication. Children and adolescents under 18 years should not take this medication as there isn’t enough safety information for this age group.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have severe liver problems, reduced kidney function, or are on kidney dialysis. Also inform your healthcare provider about any allergies to medicines, foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
It’s preferable to avoid Nurtec ODT during pregnancy as the effects on pregnant women are not known. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before taking this medication.
Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions can occur several days after taking Nurtec ODT. Watch for skin rash, itching, breathing problems, or swelling of face, lips, mouth, or throat.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interfere with how Nurtec ODT works or increase the risk of side effects. Always tell your healthcare provider about all medications you’re taking.
Spacing Required: Some medications require you to wait 48 hours between taking them and Nurtec ODT. Check with your doctor about proper timing.
- itraconazole and clarithromycin (antifungal/antibiotic medications)
- ritonavir and efavirenz (HIV medications)
- bosentan (high blood pressure medication)
- St. John’s wort (herbal depression remedy)
- phenobarbital (epilepsy medication)
- rifampicin (tuberculosis medication)
- modafinil (narcolepsy medication)
- fluconazole and erythromycin (require 48-hour spacing)
- diltiazem, quinidine and verapamil (heart medications – require 48-hour spacing)
- ciclosporin (organ transplant medication – requires 48-hour spacing)
Alcohol & Driving
Migraines themselves can affect your ability to drive safely, and this may continue after taking Nurtec ODT.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Use caution when driving or operating machinery during a migraine attack, including after taking Nurtec ODT, as migraines can cause drowsiness in some people.
Storage
Store Nurtec ODT below 30°C and protect from moisture. Keep the tablets in their original packaging until you’re ready to use them. Don’t store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on windowsills. Keep out of reach of children. Don’t use after the expiry date shown on the carton and blister pack.
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve taken too much Nurtec ODT, seek immediate medical attention even if you don’t feel unwell. Contact the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26, your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
The medication dissolves on your tongue immediately, but specific timing for migraine relief isn’t detailed in the prescribing information. Speak with your doctor about what to expect.
Yes, Nurtec ODT can be taken with or without food. The tablet dissolves on your tongue and doesn’t require water.
No, never take more than one tablet (75 mg) in a 24-hour period, whether you’re using it for treatment or prevention.
If you’re taking Nurtec ODT every other day for prevention and miss a dose, skip the missed dose if it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose. Don’t double up.
Use caution when driving during a migraine attack, including after taking Nurtec ODT, as migraines can cause drowsiness in some people.
Store below 30°C, protect from moisture, and keep in the original packaging until ready to use. Don’t store in bathrooms or cars.
It’s preferable to avoid Nurtec ODT during pregnancy as the effects on pregnant women are not known. Discuss with your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.