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Key takeaways
Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is a CGRP receptor antagonist that treats and helps prevent migraine attacks.
Alternatives include other oral CGRP inhibitors and injectable CGRP monoclonal antibodies.
The best option depends on whether acute or preventive treatment is needed, as well as potential side effects and costs.
Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is a brand-name prescription drug used to treat and prevent migraine headaches. It belongs to a class of drugs called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists, which work by blocking the protein CGRP to stop pain and inflammation in the brain. As an orally disintegrating tablet, it can provide quick pain relief and manage migraine symptoms. Still, Nurtec may not be right for everyone, with some preferring other treatment options with less frequent dosing, different side effects, or reduced costs.
RELATED: Nurtec copay card: Save on migraine medication
What can I take in place of Nurtec?
If Nurtec isn’t working, other options are available to treat or prevent migraines. Alternatives include other CGRP receptor antagonists, such as Qulipta (atogepant), Ubrelvy (ubrogepant), and Zavzpret (zavegepant). Ditans, such as Reyvow (lasmiditan), and CGRP monoclonal antibodies, such as Aimovig (erenumab), Ajovy (fremanezumab), and Emgality (galcanezumab), can also be potential alternatives.
Keep in mind that some medications may only have FDA approval to stop a migraine once it starts, while others are meant to help prevent them. The right choice depends on the type of migraine, side effects, and costs, so it’s important to work with a healthcare provider to find the best option.
RELATED: When to talk to your doctor about a prescription for migraine
Top 5 Nurtec alternatives
The following are some of the most common alternatives to Nurtec. Of note, alternative medications may either only treat or prevent migraines, so it is best to check what type of therapy is needed when considering alternative medications.
1. Qulipta (atogepant)
Qulipta is a CGRP receptor antagonist approved to prevent both chronic and episodic migraines. In clinical trials, Qulipta reduced monthly migraine and headache days, with common side effects including nausea, constipation, drowsiness, and weight loss. One head-to-head study found Qulipta led to about 1.65 fewer monthly migraine days than Nurtec ODT, with both drugs showing similar safety profiles. Taken once daily as an oral tablet, Qulipta may be a suitable option for people who haven’t responded to Nurtec for prevention.
RELATED: Qulipta vs. Nurtec
2. Ubrelvy (ubrogepant)
Ubrelvy is a CGRP receptor antagonist approved as an acute treatment option for migraine attacks. Clinical trials show it is safe and effective, with the most common side effects being nausea, drowsiness, and dry mouth. Ubrelvy works similarly to Nurtec ODT, with studies showing no significant differences in safety or effectiveness. It’s taken as an oral tablet at the first sign of a migraine and may be a good alternative for those who don’t respond to Nurtec.
RELATED: Ubrelvy vs. Nurtec
3. Zavzpret (zavegepant)
Zavzpret is a CGRP receptor antagonist approved for treating migraine attacks. Unlike Nurtec, it comes as a nasal spray that’s taken as a single dose in one nostril at the first sign of a migraine. Common side effects include changes in taste, nausea, and nasal discomfort. As a newer acute treatment, Zavzpret may be especially helpful for people who prefer a non-oral option due to nausea or vomiting during attacks.
4. Reyvow (lasmiditan)
Reyvow is a serotonin (5-HT1F) receptor agonist approved for the acute treatment of migraine attacks. The active ingredient lasmiditan is believed to work by blocking certain chemicals from being released in the brain that cause migraines. Clinical studies have shown it can provide effective pain relief within two hours of dosing. The most common side effects include dizziness, fatigue, and sleepiness. Reyvow may be an option for people who haven’t responded to CGRP inhibitors like Nurtec.
5. Emgality (galcanezumab)
Emgality is a CGRP inhibitor like Nurtec, but it’s injected as a monoclonal antibody. It’s approved for the prevention of episodic and chronic migraines, as well as the treatment of cluster headaches, and it’s usually given as a monthly subcutaneous injection. Potential Emgality side effects include injection site reactions and, less commonly, allergic reactions. For people who haven’t responded well to oral CGRP inhibitors like Nurtec, Emgality may be an alternative preventive treatment.
RELATED: Emgality vs. Nurtec: Differences, similarities & side effects
Compare Nurtec (rimegepant) alternatives |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Nurtec
(rimegepant) |
$1,376 per 1, 8-tablet box | $870 per 1, 8-tablet box of brand-name Nurtec ODT | See latest prices |
| Qulipta (atogepant) | $1,579 per 30, 60 mg tablets | $952 per 30, 60 mg tablets of brand-name Qulipta | See latest prices |
| Ubrelvy (ubrogepant) | $1,438 per 10, 100 mg tablets | $1,438 per 10, 100 mg tablets of brand-name Ubrelvy | See latest prices |
| Zavzpret (zavegepant) | $1,515 per 6, 10 mg/act solutions | $1,515 per 6, 10 mg/act solutions of brand-name Zavzpret | See latest prices |
| Reyvow (lasmiditan) | $995 per 8, 100 mg tablets | $686 per 8, 100 mg tablets of brand-name Reyvow | See latest prices |
| Emgality (galcanezumab) | $970 per 1, 1 mL of 120 mg/mL pen | $605 per 1, 1 mL of 120 mg/mL pen of brand-name Emgality | See latest prices |
| Aimovig (erenumab) | $1,037 per 1, 1mL of 140 mg/mL pen | $753 per 1, 1mL of 140 mg/mL pen of brand-name Aimovig | See latest prices |
| Ajovy (fremanezumab) | $1,032 per 1, 1.5 mL of 225 mg/1.5 mL pen | $653 per 1, 1.5 mL of 225 mg/1.5 mL pen of brand-name Ajovy | See latest prices |
| Treximet (sumatriptan and naproxen) | $1,540 per 9, 85-500 mg tablets | $125 per 9, 85-500 mg tablets of brand-name Treximet | See latest prices |
Drug prices fluctuate and vary by pharmacy and location. These are the most current prices at the time of publication.
Other alternatives to Nurtec
Other alternatives include prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen. Older ergot drugs are rarely used now due to side effects, while triptans remain a first-line option, mainly for treating rather than preventing migraines.
Prescription migraine pain relievers:
Over-the-counter migraine pain relievers:
- Tylenol (Acetaminophen)
- Excedrin (acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine)
- Advil (ibuprofen)
- Aleve (naproxen)
Ergots:
Triptans:
- Maxalt (rizatriptan)
- Frova (frovatriptan)
- Imitrex (sumatriptan)
- Relpax (eletriptan)
- Zomig (zolmitriptan)
RELATED: Migraine medications and treatments
Natural alternatives to Nurtec
Some people may prefer to try natural or non-drug options to help manage migraines, either alone or alongside prescription drugs. While natural supplements aren’t FDA-approved, research shows they may relieve symptoms or reduce how often they occur for some.
- Magnesium: Low magnesium levels have been linked to migraines. Taking magnesium supplements may help reduce the frequency of attacks, especially in people with menstrual-related migraines.
- Riboflavin (vitamin B2): Daily riboflavin supplementation has been studied for migraine prevention, with some evidence showing fewer monthly migraine days and improved pain scores.
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): This antioxidant may help improve energy production in brain cells, with studies suggesting it can reduce migraine days and the duration of migraine attacks.
- Butterbur (Petasites hybridus): Extracts of this herb may help reduce migraine symptoms by blocking the release of CGRP during acute migraine attacks. Placebo-controlled trials show it may help reduce migraine frequency.
- Feverfew: Traditionally used for headaches, feverfew may help reduce the number and severity of migraines in some people.
Lifestyle changes may also help manage migraines, such as avoiding migraine triggers like stress, sleep schedule changes, an increase in caffeine or alcohol intake, weather changes, dehydration, and certain smells. Other lifestyle changes include staying hydrated, getting regular exercise, learning relaxation techniques, and eating regularly scheduled meals.
Home remedies for migraines may include resting in a quiet and darkened room, napping, placing an ice pack on the forehead, and drinking lots of fluids.
RELATED: Home remedies for headaches | The best diet for migraine
How to switch to a Nurtec alternative
1. Discuss all health conditions with a healthcare provider
Before switching from Nurtec to an alternative, it’s important that the healthcare provider is aware of all medical conditions. Some alternatives should be used with caution or avoided with certain medical conditions. For example, Ubrelvy and Zavzpret are processed in the liver and may not be suitable for people with severe liver disease.
2. Do not suddenly stop taking Nurtec without medical advice
Only stop taking Nurtec after consulting a healthcare provider and working together to find an alternative. While Nurtec can be safely discontinued and is not believed to cause withdrawal effects, it’s important to have another migraine treatment in place to keep your treatment plan on track.
3. Share all prescription and over-the-counter medications with a healthcare provider
Share a complete medication list with your healthcare provider before switching from Nurtec to another option. Some alternatives can interact with other drugs. For example, Reyvow can cause excessive drowsiness when combined with alcohol, sleep aids, or certain anxiety medications. Reviewing all prescription drugs and OTC products can help avoid drug interactions.
4. Continue to improve lifestyle changes for managing migraines
It’s important to avoid migraine triggers and pair migraine treatments with healthy lifestyle habits. A healthcare provider or pharmacist can also offer advice on prevention strategies and treatment options based on your overall condition.
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- Comparative efficacy, quality of life, safety, and tolerability of atogepant and rimegepant in migraine prevention: A matching-adjusted indirect comparison analysis, Cephalalgia (2024)
- The effectiveness and value of novel acute treatments for migraine, Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy (2020)
- Reyvow highlights of prescribing information, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2022)
- Magnesium and migraine, Nutrients (2025)
- Effect of Vitamin B2 supplementation on migraine prophylaxis: a systematic review and meta-analysis, Nutritional Neuroscience (2022)
- Evaluating the role of coenzyme Q10 in migraine therapy—A narrative review, Antioxidants (2025)
- Petasites for migraine prevention: New data on mode of action, pharmacology and safety. A narrative review, Frontiers in Neurology (2022)
- Exploring the phytochemistry, signaling pathways, and mechanisms of action of Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Sch.Bip.: A comprehensive literature review, Biomedicines (2024)