What Is Nurtec Used For?

Nurtec (generic name: rimegepant) is an oral medication in the class of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists. It is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for two primary uses related to migraine:

1. Acute Treatment of Migraine
2. Preventive Treatment of Episodic Migraine

Below is a detailed, plain-language overview of how Nurtec works, when and how it’s used, safety considerations, and next steps you can take—including a free, online symptom check for migraines if you’re unsure whether your headaches fit migraine criteria.

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How Nurtec Works

• Nurtec blocks CGRP receptors.
• CGRP is a protein involved in transmitting pain signals and widening blood vessels in the brain during a migraine attack.
• By preventing CGRP from binding to its receptor, Nurtec interrupts the migraine process—relieving pain and associated symptoms.

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FDA-Approved Uses

1. Acute Treatment of Migraine

• Who it’s for: Adults experiencing an acute migraine attack, with or without aura.
• Effectiveness: Provides pain relief and reduces associated symptoms such as nausea, light sensitivity, and sound sensitivity.
• Onset of action: Many patients notice improvement within 2 hours of a single dose.

2. Preventive Treatment of Episodic Migraine

• Who it’s for: Adults who experience 4 to 14 migraine days per month.
• Effectiveness: Taken every other day, Nurtec has been shown in clinical trials (Ailani et al., 2021) to reduce the average number of monthly migraine days by about 4 days compared to placebo.
• Long-term use: Treatment duration depends on individual response; benefits may continue as long as therapy is maintained.

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Dosage and Administration

Use	Dose	Frequency
Acute migraine attack	75 mg orally (tablet dissolves on tongue)	Single dose; may repeat once after ≥2 hours if needed (max 150 mg/day)
Preventive therapy (episodic)	75 mg orally	Every other day

• Swallowing is not required; the tablet dissolves on the tongue.
• Do not exceed the recommended dose.

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Safety and Precautions

Common Side Effects

• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth

Serious Warning Signs

If you experience any of the following, seek medical attention immediately:

• Severe allergic reaction (e.g., hives, difficulty breathing, facial swelling)
• Chest pain or tightness
• New or worsening neurological symptoms (e.g., vision changes, weakness)

Liver and Kidney Considerations

• Mild to Moderate Hepatic Impairment (Child-Pugh A or B): No dose adjustment needed.
• Severe Hepatic Impairment (Child-Pugh C): Use is not recommended due to lack of safety data and potential for increased drug exposure.
  • Tools such as the MELD score (Kamath & Wiesner, 2001) and Child-Pugh classification can help guide decisions in liver disease.
• Renal Impairment:
  • Mild to Moderate (eGFR 30–89 mL/min): No adjustment.
  • Severe (eGFR < 30 mL/min) or End-Stage Renal Disease: Use with caution; discuss with your doctor.

Drug Interactions

• Nurtec is metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP3A4.
• Avoid strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) or inducers (e.g., rifampin) without medical supervision.
• Always tell your healthcare provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Pregnant women: Limited data; use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk.
• Breastfeeding: Unknown if Nurtec passes into breast milk; consult your doctor.

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Who Should Not Take Nurtec

• Individuals with a known hypersensitivity to rimegepant or any tablet ingredient.
• Those with severe liver impairment (Child-Pugh C).
• Patients taking strong CYP3A4 modifiers without medical guidance.

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Monitoring and Follow-Up

• Keep a migraine diary: Note frequency, severity, and triggers.
• Assess response: After 2–3 months of preventive therapy, evaluate whether migraine days have meaningfully decreased.
• Liver function tests: Consider periodically in patients with baseline liver disease.
• Talk to your doctor if migraines worsen or you develop any concerning symptoms.

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Next Steps

If you’re experiencing headaches that significantly impact your daily life, you might consider a free, online symptom check for migraines. This tool can help you and your healthcare provider determine whether your symptoms align with migraine and whether a medication like Nurtec could be appropriate.

Finally, while Nurtec offers an effective option both for treating acute migraine attacks and preventing episodic migraine, speak to a doctor about any serious or life-threatening symptoms you experience. Only a healthcare professional can provide personalized advice, confirm a diagnosis, and ensure safe, effective treatment.