{"id":55861,"date":"2022-12-15T22:51:03","date_gmt":"2022-12-16T03:51:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=55861"},"modified":"2024-10-25T11:00:15","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T15:00:15","slug":"nurtec-side-effects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/nurtec-side-effects\/","title":{"rendered":"Nurtec side effects and how to avoid them"},"content":{"rendered":"

  <\/span><\/p>\n

Nurtec is a <\/span>brand-name<\/span> prescription drug<\/span> used to treat or prevent <\/span>migraine headaches<\/span>. <\/span>Migraine<\/span><\/a> is a disorder of the nervous system and blood vessels. It is provoked by nerves in the head, but the worst symptoms, including <\/span>migraine pain,<\/span> are caused by the rapid dilation of blood vessels in the head. The active ingredient in Nurtec, <\/span>rimegepant<\/span>, prevents or reverses this rapid dilation of blood vessels by blocking the molecule that causes it. This molecule is a small protein-like substance (peptide) called <\/span>calcitonin gene-related peptide<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>CGRP<\/span>). Migraines can be relieved or <\/span>prevented by drugs<\/span><\/a> that block this peptide. Some of these drugs are <\/span>monoclonal antibodies<\/span><\/a>. Others, like Nurtec, are called <\/span>CGRP<\/span> receptor antagonists<\/span>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Unlike monoclonal antibodies, which are taken as injections, Nurtec is taken as an <\/span>orally disintegrating tablet (ODT)<\/span> or a sublingual tablet. It is also taken more frequently than antibody injections, either during a <\/span>migraine attack<\/span><\/a> or once every other day for the <\/span>preventive treatment of episodic migraine<\/span>. <\/span>Side effects<\/span> are limited and not very commonly experienced. Most people can take this drug and feel fine. The only significant worry is potential drug reactions.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>What is a silent migraine?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Common side effects<\/span> of Nurtec<\/span><\/h2>\n

In clinical trials<\/span><\/a>, the <\/span>most common side effect<\/span> of <\/span>Nurtec ODT<\/span><\/a> was nausea (in about 2% to 3% of participants) and abdominal pain or <\/span>indigestion<\/span> (in about 2% of participants). That’s the complete list of <\/span>common side effects<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Serious side effects<\/span> of Nurtec<\/span><\/h2>\n

In clinical trials, <\/span>no <\/span>serious side effects<\/span> were reported.<\/span><\/a> The most <\/span>serious side effects<\/span> of Nurtec are <\/span>hypersensitivity<\/span> reactions, including skin rash (<\/span>less than 1%<\/span><\/a> of patients), and <\/span>trouble breathing<\/span> (less than 1%).<\/span><\/p>\n

Nurtec and <\/span>allergic reactions<\/span><\/h3>\n

Allergic reactions<\/span> caused by Nurtec have been mild reactions: skin rash and <\/span>trouble breathing<\/span>. These reactions were reported by less than 1% of clinical trial participants. Although these are mild <\/span>side effects<\/span>, an <\/span>allergic reaction<\/span> has the potential to be serious. <\/span>Nurtec ODT<\/span> should be stopped if a skin rash, shortness of breath, or wheezing is experienced. Report the reaction immediately to the prescriber.<\/span><\/p>\n

How soon do Nurtec <\/span>side effects<\/span> start?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Nausea, upset stomach, and <\/span>stomach pain<\/span> usually happen early in treatment. An <\/span>allergic reaction<\/span> could rapidly happen right after the first dose. However, in clinical trials, some people didn’t experience <\/span>allergic reactions<\/span> until days after treatment had started. <\/span>Allergic reactions<\/span> happening even later in treatment have also been reported.<\/span><\/p>\n

How long do Nurtec <\/span>side effects<\/span> last?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The duration of Nurtec <\/span>side effects<\/span> depends on how it’s being used. If it’s being taken to manage <\/span>migraine attacks<\/span><\/a>, the <\/span>side effects<\/span> typically wear off in a day or two. If Nurtec is being taken every other day, then nausea and stomach troubles should improve over time as the body adapts to the drug or as measures are taken to mitigate the effects. <\/span>However, allergic reactions<\/span> will require that the drug be discontinued.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the long-term <\/span>side effects<\/span> of Nurtec?<\/span><\/h2>\n

As a <\/span>migraine<\/span><\/a> prophylactic, Nurtec is intended for long-term use for months, if not years. There are no <\/span>side effects<\/span> specifically due to prolonged use of <\/span>rimegepant<\/span>. Nurtec does not have any <\/span>serious side effects<\/span> that may have long-term consequences.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nurtec contraindications<\/span><\/h2>\n

Nurtec is never given to anyone who has had an <\/span>allergic reaction<\/span> to <\/span>rimegepant<\/span>. Because <\/span>rimegepant<\/span> is broken down by the liver, Nurtec is contraindicated in anyone with severe liver disease.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pregnancy<\/span><\/h3>\n

Nurtec can be prescribed to pregnant women, but with caution. There is no information about <\/span>rimegepant<\/span>’s <\/span>safety in pregnant women<\/span><\/a>, but animal studies suggest that there is little risk to the <\/span>unborn baby<\/span>. However, untreated migraines increase the risk for pre-eclampsia and gestational hypertension, so the benefits of <\/span>rimegepant<\/span> may outweigh the risks for some. <\/span><\/p>\n

Breastfeeding<\/span><\/h3>\n

Nurtec can be prescribed to women who are <\/span>breastfeeding<\/span><\/a>. The drug is present in human <\/span>breast milk,<\/span> but in very small amounts. The effects on the nursing infant are unknown, but <\/span>the risk is considered low<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Children<\/span><\/h3>\n

The <\/span>FDA<\/span> has not approved Nurtec for use in anyone younger than 18 years of age. Keep this medication out of the <\/span>reach of children<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Seniors<\/span><\/h3>\n

Nurtec is considered to be as effective and safe in people older than 65 years of age as it is in younger adults.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nurtec warnings<\/span><\/h2>\n

As a drug that doesn’t cause very many <\/span>side effects<\/span> or other issues, Nurtec doesn’t have many warnings or cautions. <\/span><\/p>\n

Cautions<\/span><\/h3>\n

Rimegepant<\/span> does not worsen any pre-existing medical conditions of which we know. While it is broken down by the liver, no dosage adjustments are required in people with mild to moderate liver dysfunction. However, it should never be used in people with severe liver disease. It is also avoided in anyone with end-stage kidney disease or on <\/span>dialysis<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The only warnings attached to Nurtec are allergy warnings. Although severe allergic or drug reactions to Nurtec have not been experienced in studies, the drug should be discontinued if a skin rash or similar reaction develops.<\/span><\/p>\n

Abuse and dependence<\/span><\/h3>\n

Nurtec is not associated with abuse or addiction. <\/span>Rimegepant<\/span>, its active ingredient, does not cause physical dependence or withdrawal symptoms. <\/span><\/p>\n

Overdose<\/span><\/h3>\n

Call a poison control center or get immediate medical attention if too much Nurtec is taken. The maximum dose for any 24-hour period is 75 mg. <\/span><\/p>\n

Nurtec interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n

Even though Nurtec has mild and uncommon <\/span>side effects<\/span>, it has several major <\/span>drug interactions<\/span>. This is because some other drugs can slow down or speed up the metabolism of <\/span>rimegepant<\/span>. Drugs that slow down the body’s breakdown of <\/span>rimegepant<\/span> can increase its levels in the blood. Drugs that speed up the body’s breakdown of <\/span>rimegepant<\/span> can decrease its ability to treat or prevent migraines. <\/span><\/p>\n

Drugs that slow down the body’s metabolism of <\/span>rimegepant<\/span> do so by blocking the liver enzyme, CYP3A4, so they’re called CYP3A4 <\/span>inhibitors<\/span>. Significant CYP3A4 inhibitors include:<\/span><\/p>\n