{"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":"2025-10-03T13:11:17","modified_gmt":"2025-10-03T17:11:17","slug":"nurtec-alternatives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/nurtec-alternatives\/","title":{"rendered":"Nurtec (rimegepant) alternatives: What can you take instead of Nurtec?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nurtec ODT<\/span><\/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, 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 <\/span>migraine symptoms<\/span><\/a>. Still, Nurtec may not be right for everyone, with some preferring other treatment options with less frequent dosing, different side effects, or reduced costs.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Nurtec copay card: Save on migraine medication<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

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

If Nurtec isn\u2019t working, other options are available to treat or prevent migraines. Alternatives include other <\/span>CGRP receptor antagonists<\/span><\/a>, 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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 <\/span>type of migraine<\/span><\/a>, side effects, and costs, so it\u2019s important to work with a healthcare provider to find the best option.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Top 5 Nurtec alternatives<\/span><\/h2>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Qulipta<\/span><\/a> 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 <\/span>head-to-head study<\/span><\/a> 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\u2019t responded to Nurtec for prevention.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Qulipta vs. Nurtec<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

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

Ubrelvy<\/span><\/a> 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 <\/span>side effects<\/span><\/a> being nausea, drowsiness, and dry mouth. Ubrelvy works similarly to Nurtec ODT, with studies showing <\/span>no significant differences<\/span><\/a> in safety or effectiveness. It\u2019s <\/span>taken as an oral tablet at the first sign of a migraine<\/span><\/a> and may be a good alternative for those who don\u2019t respond to Nurtec.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Ubrelvy vs. Nurtec<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

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

Zavzpret<\/span><\/a> is a CGRP receptor antagonist approved for treating migraine attacks. Unlike Nurtec, it comes as a nasal spray that\u2019s 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, <\/span>Zavzpret<\/span><\/a> may be especially helpful for people who prefer a non-oral option due to nausea or vomiting during attacks.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Reyvow (lasmiditan)<\/span><\/h3>\n

Reyvow<\/span><\/a> 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 <\/span>within two hours<\/span><\/a> of dosing. The most common side effects include dizziness, fatigue, and sleepiness. Reyvow may be an option for people who haven\u2019t responded to CGRP inhibitors like Nurtec.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Emgality<\/span><\/a> is a CGRP inhibitor like Nurtec, but it\u2019s injected as a monoclonal antibody. It\u2019s approved for the prevention of episodic and chronic migraines, as well as the treatment of cluster headaches, and it\u2019s usually given as a monthly subcutaneous injection. Potential <\/span>Emgality side effects<\/span><\/a> include injection site reactions and, less commonly, allergic reactions. For people who haven\u2019t responded well to oral CGRP inhibitors like Nurtec, Emgality may be an alternative preventive treatment.<\/span><\/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\n\n
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Compare Nurtec (rimegepant) alternatives<\/span><\/h3>\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><\/p>\n

(rimegepant)<\/b><\/td>\n

$1,376 per 1, 8-tablet box<\/span><\/td>\n$870 per 1, 8-tablet box of brand-name Nurtec ODT<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Qulipta (atogepant)<\/b><\/td>\n$1,579 per 30, 60 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n$952 per 30, 60 mg tablets of brand-name Qulipta<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ubrelvy (ubrogepant)<\/b><\/td>\n$1,438 per 10, 100 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n$1,438 per 10, 100 mg tablets of brand-name Ubrelvy<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Zavzpret (zavegepant)<\/b><\/td>\n$1,515 per 6, 10 mg\/act solutions<\/span><\/td>\n$1,515 per 6, 10 mg\/act solutions of brand-name Zavzpret<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Reyvow (lasmiditan)<\/b><\/td>\n$995 per 8, 100 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n$686 per 8, 100 mg tablets of brand-name Reyvow<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Emgality (galcanezumab)<\/b><\/td>\n$970 per 1, 1 mL of 120 mg\/mL pen<\/span><\/td>\n$605 per 1, 1 mL of 120 mg\/mL pen of brand-name Emgality<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Aimovig (erenumab)<\/b><\/td>\n$1,037 per 1, 1mL of 140 mg\/mL pen<\/span><\/td>\n$753 per 1, 1mL of 140 mg\/mL pen of brand-name Aimovig<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ajovy (fremanezumab)<\/b><\/td>\n$1,032 per 1, 1.5 mL of 225 mg\/1.5 mL pen<\/span><\/td>\n$653 per 1, 1.5 mL of 225 mg\/1.5 mL pen of brand-name Ajovy<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Treximet (sumatriptan and naproxen)<\/b><\/td>\n$1,540 per 9, 85-500 mg tablets\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n$125 per 9, 85-500 mg tablets of brand-name Treximet<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
Drug prices fluctuate and vary by pharmacy and location. These are the most current prices at the time of publication.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/h5>\n

Other alternatives to Nurtec<\/span><\/h3>\n

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

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