{"id":627676,"date":"2024-04-04T17:09:23","date_gmt":"2024-04-04T21:09:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=627676"},"modified":"2026-10-15T12:37:16","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T16:37:16","slug":"nurtec-alternatives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/nurtec-alternatives\/","title":{"rendered":"Nurtec alternatives for treating and preventing migraines"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nurtec ODT<\/a> (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<\/a>, which work by blocking CGRP receptors involved in migraine pain. As an orally disintegrating tablet, Nurtec can relieve migraine symptoms<\/a> during an attack and can also be taken to help prevent episodic migraine. Still, Nurtec may not be right for everyone, and some people may prefer alternatives with different dosing schedules, side effects, or costs<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Migraine financial assistance & resources<\/a>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

What can I take in place of Nurtec?<\/h2>\n

If Nurtec<\/a> is not effective or suitable, other medications can be used to treat or prevent migraine. Alternatives include other CGRP receptor antagonists, such as Qulipta<\/a> (atogepant), Ubrelvy<\/a> (ubrogepant), and Zavzpret<\/a> (zavegepant). CGRP monoclonal antibodies, such as Aimovig<\/a> (erenumab), Ajovy<\/a> (fremanezumab), and Emgality<\/a> (galcanezumab), are also options.<\/p>\n

Some migraine medications are approved only for acute treatment, while others are used for prevention. The right choice depends on the type of migraine<\/a>, potential side effects, and costs, so it\u2019s important to work with a healthcare provider to find the best option.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>When to talk to your doctor about a prescription for migraine<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Top 5 Nurtec alternatives<\/h2>\n

The following are some of the most common alternatives to Nurtec. Some are used for acute migraine treatment, while others are used for prevention, so the right option depends partly on the type of treatment needed.<\/p>\n

1. Qulipta (atogepant)<\/h3>\n

Qulipta<\/a> is a CGRP receptor antagonist approved to prevent both chronic and episodic migraines. In clinical trials<\/a>, Qulipta reduced monthly migraine days, with common side effects including nausea, constipation, drowsiness, and weight loss. One head-to-head study<\/a> found Qulipta 60 mg once daily reduced monthly migraine days by about 1.65 more days than Nurtec ODT 75 mg taken every other day, with similar safety and tolerability profiles. Qulipta may be an alternative for people who need preventive treatment and have not responded well to Nurtec.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Qulipta vs. Nurtec: differences and similarities explained<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

2. Ubrelvy (ubrogepant)<\/h3>\n

Ubrelvy<\/a> is a CGRP receptor antagonist approved as an acute treatment option for migraine attacks. Clinical trials<\/a> found Ubrelvy effective for migraine pain relief, with the most common side effects<\/a> including nausea, drowsiness, and dry mouth. Ubrelvy works similarly to Nurtec ODT, and an indirect comparison<\/a> found no significant differences between the two drugs in measures of effectiveness. It\u2019s taken as an oral tablet at the first sign of a migraine<\/a> and may be a good alternative for those who don\u2019t respond to Nurtec.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Ubrelvy vs. Nurtec: differences, similarities, and side effects<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

3. Zavzpret (zavegepant)<\/h3>\n

Zavzpret is a CGRP receptor antagonist approved for treating migraine attacks. Unlike Nurtec, it comes as a nasal spray that is given as a single dose in one nostril as needed. Common side effects include changes in taste, nausea, nasal discomfort, and vomiting. As a non-oral acute treatment, Zavzpret<\/a> may be an alternative for people who experience nausea or vomiting during migraine attacks or prefer a nasal spray.<\/p>\n

4. Aimovig<\/h3>\n

Aimovig<\/a> (erenumab) is an injectable monoclonal antibody that blocks the CGRP receptor and is approved to prevent migraine in adults. It is given as a once-monthly subcutaneous injection<\/a>. A clinical study<\/a> in people with episodic migraine found that monthly Aimovig significantly reduced migraine days, the impact of migraine on daily activities, and the use of acute migraine medications. Aimovig may be an alternative for people who need preventive treatment and have not responded well to oral CGRP medications.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Nurtec vs. Aimovig: differences, similarities & side effects<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

5. Emgality (galcanezumab)<\/h3>\n

Emgality<\/a> is an injectable monoclonal antibody that targets CGRP and is approved to prevent migraine in adults. It is also approved to treat episodic cluster headache. For migraine prevention, Emgality is given as a monthly subcutaneous injection after an initial loading dose. The most common Emgality side effects<\/a> are injection-site reactions, while allergic reactions can also occur. For people who haven\u2019t responded well to oral CGRP medications like Nurtec, Emgality may be an alternative preventive treatment.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Emgality vs. Nurtec: Differences, similarities & side effects<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

\u00a0 Compare Nurtec alternatives<\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Drug name<\/b><\/td>\nPrice without insurance<\/b><\/td>\nSingleCare price<\/b><\/td>\nSavings options<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nurtec <\/b>(rimegepant)<\/b><\/td>\n$1,417 for 8 orally disintegrating tablets<\/td>\n$952 for 8 orally disintegrating tablets of brand-name Nurtec at Kroger<\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Qulipta (atogepant)<\/b><\/td>\n$1,623 for 30, 60 mg tablets<\/td>\n$1,073 for 30, 60 mg tablets of brand-name Qulipta at Kroger<\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ubrelvy (ubrogepant)<\/b><\/td>\n$1,490 for 10, 100 mg tablets<\/td>\n$1,040 for 10, 100 mg tablets of brand-name Ubrelvy at Kroger<\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Zavzpret (zavegepant)<\/b><\/td>\n$1,539 per 6, 10 mg\/act solutions<\/td>\n$1,165 per 6, 10 mg\/act solutions of brand-name Zavzpret at Kroger<\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Aimovig (erenumab)<\/b><\/td>\n$1,057 for 1 mL of 140 mg\/mL injection pen<\/p>\n

(one month supply)<\/td>\n

$767 for 1 mL of 140 mg\/mL injection pen of brand-name Aimovig at Kroger<\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Emgality (galcanezumab)<\/b><\/td>\n$1,023 for 1 mL of 120 mg\/mL autoinjector (one month supply)<\/td>\n$620 for 1 mL of 120 mg\/mL autoinjector of brand-name Emgality at CVS Pharmacy<\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Other alternatives to Nurtec<\/h3>\n

Other alternatives include prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)<\/a> and acetaminophen<\/a>. Older ergot drugs are rarely used now due to side effects, while triptans<\/a> remain a first-line option, mainly for treating rather than preventing migraines.<\/p>\n

Prescription migraine pain relievers:<\/p>\n