{"id":628108,"date":"2024-05-09T14:53:57","date_gmt":"2024-05-09T18:53:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=628108"},"modified":"2025-09-11T14:09:50","modified_gmt":"2025-09-11T18:09:50","slug":"ubrelvy-vs-nurtec","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/ubrelvy-vs-nurtec\/","title":{"rendered":"Ubrelvy vs. Nurtec: Differences, similarities & side effects"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ubrelvy<\/span><\/a> (ubrogepant) and <\/span>Nurtec ODT<\/span><\/a> (rimegepant) are two brand-name prescriptions indicated for the treatment of acute migraine headaches with or without aura. Nurtec has also been approved to prevent migraine headaches. Ubrelvy and Nurtec belong to a drug class called oral calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonists, also called gepants. They work by blocking the action of CGRP, <\/span>a protein known to trigger migraines<\/span><\/a>. Though very similar, these drugs have slight differences in their side effects and specific uses.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nurtec vs. Ubrelvy: Key differences<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cUbrelvy is used to <\/span>treat migraines<\/span><\/a> with or without <\/span>aura<\/span><\/a>. Nurtec ODT is taken to treat migraines with or without aura and also to prevent episodic migraines,\u201d says <\/span>Inna Melamed, Pharm.D.<\/span><\/a>, a functional medicine practitioner and author of <\/span>Digestive Reset<\/span><\/i>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

CGRP receptor antagonists are a class of drugs that help treat migraines by blocking CGRP, a protein that dilates blood vessels and causes inflammation in the brain. In other words, these drugs stop migraine pain in its tracks. Nurtec can be used as a preventive treatment due to its longer half-life, providing significant pain relief for up to 48 hours, per <\/span>Lauren R. Natbony, MD<\/span><\/a>, headache specialist and medical director of Integrative Headache Medicine of New York.<\/span><\/p>\n

Aside from Nurtec being longer-lasting, Nurtec is a dissolvable tablet that can be taken without water, while Ubrelvy comes in a conventional oral tablet. Dr. Natbony says that Nurtec\u2019s dissolvable form may be preferred if a patient is experiencing nausea at the onset of a migraine attack. The easier it is to take the medicine quickly and without triggering a gag reflex, the better.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, these acute migraine treatments have different dosing schedules. When used preventively, Nurtec is taken once <\/span>every two days<\/span><\/a>. When used to stop a migraine, Nurtec is a one-and-done dissolvable tablet, but Ubrelvy comes with the option of a repeat dose if the pain persists <\/span>after two hours<\/span><\/a>. According to Dr. Natbony, some patients value the freedom to safely take another Ubrelvy if they still haven\u2019t found relief.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Compare Ubrelvy vs. Nurtec key differences<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nUbrelvy<\/b><\/td>\nNurtec<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nCGRP antagonist<\/span><\/td>\nCGRP antagonist<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nBrand<\/span><\/td>\nBrand<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/b><\/td>\nUbrogepant\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nRimegepant\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nOral tablet<\/span><\/td>\nOrally disintegrating tablet<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\n50 or 100 mg as needed for acute migraines; a second dose can be given at least 2 hours after the first dose<\/span><\/td>\n75 mg as needed for acute migraines or 75 mg every other day for migraine prevention<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nAs needed; not used on a regular schedule<\/span><\/td>\nAs needed or every other day for migraine prevention<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults with migraine<\/span><\/td>\nAdults with migraine<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Conditions treated by Ubrelvy and Nurtec<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Condition<\/b><\/td>\nUbrelvy<\/b><\/td>\nNurtec<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Migraine with aura<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Migraine without aura<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Prevention of episodic migraine<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Is Ubrelvy better than Nurtec?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Both Ubrelvy and Nurtec are effective at treating existing migraines, and Nurtec can also help prevent future attacks. However, Dr. Natbony says that deciding which one is \u201cbetter\u201d depends on several factors, such as medical history, other medications, and even personal preference.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In a <\/span>review of four randomized controlled trials<\/span><\/a>, a total of 3,827 migraine patients received a 75-mg dose of rimegepant, the active ingredient in Nurtec. Around 59% reported pain relief versus 45% on placebo, 36% had relief from their most bothersome symptom versus 25% on placebo, and around 21% of patients were pain-free versus 13% on placebo.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pooled data from <\/span>two randomized, placebo-controlled trials<\/span><\/a> with 50-mg doses of Ubrelvy had similar findings. The trials included 2,240 participants, and after two hours, about 62% reported pain relief versus 49% on placebo, 39% had relief from their most bothersome symptom versus 28% on placebo, and about 21% were pain-free versus 13% on placebo.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ultimately, the most effective medication should only be determined by your healthcare provider, who fully understands your medical conditions, history, and other medications you\u2019re taking.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nurtec vs. Ubrelvy: Insurance coverage & cost comparison<\/span><\/h2>\n

The cost of Urbrelvy and Nurtec with insurance varies. Many health insurance and Medicare plans cover these prescription medications, but coverage is not universal. It\u2019s a good idea to check with your insurance company or Medicare Part D plan for more information.<\/span><\/p>\n

Without insurance, Ubrelvy costs about $1,442 for 10, 100 mg tablets, and Nurtec costs about $1,372 for 8, 75 mg orally disintegrating tablets. That\u2019s about $144 per Ubrelvy dose versus $172 per Nurtec dose. Monthly costs vary depending on how often a person experiences migraine attacks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With a SingleCare coupon, you may be able to save money on Ubrelvy and Nurtec, bringing the cost down to about $97 per <\/span>Ubrelvy<\/span><\/a> tablet and about $109 per <\/span>Nurtec<\/span><\/a> tablet.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Compare cost & coverage: Nurtec vs. Ubrelvy<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nNurtec<\/b><\/td>\nUbrelvy<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/b><\/td>\nDepends on plan<\/span><\/td>\nDepends on plan<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/b><\/td>\nDepends on plan<\/span><\/td>\nDepends on plan<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quantity<\/b><\/td>\n8, 75 mg orally disintegrating tablets<\/span><\/td>\n10, 100 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/b><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Nurtec vs. Ubrelvy side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n

The most common side effect of Ubrelvy and Nurtec is nausea. However, Ubrelvy and Nurtec are both \u201cgenerally well-tolerated,\u201d according to Dr. Natbony. Still, she emphasizes that individual patient reactions can differ. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to consult a healthcare provider for a complete list of adverse effects and potential risks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Common <\/span>side effects of Nurtec<\/span><\/a> include:<\/span><\/p>\n