What is nurtec used for?

What Is Nurtec Used For?

Nurtec (rimegepant) is an oral medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of migraine headaches. It belongs to a class of drugs called calcitonin gene–related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists. Nurtec offers both rapid relief of acute migraine attacks and, in a different dosing form, preventive benefits for people who experience frequent episodic migraine.

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How Nurtec Works

• Nurtec blocks CGRP receptors. CGRP is a protein that plays a key role in migraine pain and inflammation.
• By preventing CGRP from binding to its receptor, Nurtec helps:
  • Reduce inflammation of blood vessels in the brain
  • Interrupt pain signals sent to the brain
  • Relieve headache pain and associated symptoms (nausea, light/sound sensitivity)

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Approved Uses of Nurtec

1. Acute Treatment of Migraine

   • Indicated for adults experiencing a migraine attack, with or without aura.
   • Dose: 75 mg oral tablet taken as needed at the onset of migraine pain.
   • May repeat once after 2 hours if symptoms return (maximum 150 mg in 24 hours).

2. Preventive Treatment of Episodic Migraine

   • For adults with ≥ 4 but < 15 migraine days per month.
   • Dose: 75 mg orally every other day.
   • Helps reduce the number of migraine days over weeks to months.

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Clinical Evidence

Acute Treatment (Ho TW et al., 2016)

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated Nurtec’s (BMS-927711) 75 mg dose for acute migraine relief. Key findings:

• Pain Freedom at 2 Hours
  • Nurtec: ~ 19 % of participants achieved pain freedom vs. 12 % with placebo.
• Pain Relief at 2 Hours
  • Nurtec: ~ 60 % reported pain relief vs. 43 % with placebo.
• Sustained Response
  • Many maintained relief up to 48 hours without taking a second dose.
• Safety Profile
  • Most common side effects: nausea, urinary tract infection, and vomiting.
  • Generally well-tolerated with a low incidence of serious adverse events.

Preventive Treatment

Separate studies of the every-other-day dosing regimen have shown:

• A statistically significant reduction in the average number of monthly migraine days.
• Improved quality of life measures related to migraine frequency and severity.

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Dosage and Administration

• Acute Use
  • 75 mg tablet at migraine onset.
  • If needed, a single repeat dose after 2 hours.
• Preventive Use
  • 75 mg tablet every other day at around the same time.
• Administration Tips
  • Swallow whole with water—do not crush, split, or chew.
  • Can be taken with or without food.

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Side Effects and Safety

Common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 1 %):

• Nausea
• Urinary tract infection
• Vomiting

Serious side effects are rare but may include:

• Hypersensitivity reactions (rash, hives, facial swelling)
• Liver enzyme elevations (monitor in patients with known liver impairment)

If you experience any severe or unexpected symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.

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Precautions and Contraindications

• Liver Disease
  • Use cautiously in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
  • Limited data—discuss potential risks and benefits with your doctor.
• Drug Interactions
  • Avoid strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin).
  • Moderate CYP3A4 or P-glycoprotein inhibitors may increase Nurtec levels—dosage adjustments or monitoring may be needed.
• Not for Cluster Headache
  • Nurtec is not approved for treating cluster headaches or other headache disorders.

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When to Seek Medical Attention

Nurtec can effectively address migraine pain, but certain symptoms warrant immediate medical evaluation:

• Sudden, severe headache unlike any before
• Headache with fever, stiff neck, confusion or seizures
• Neurological changes (weakness, vision loss, difficulty speaking)
• Headache following head injury

For less urgent concerns, you might consider doing a free, online symptom check for migraine or headache symptoms to guide your next steps.

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Discussing Nurtec With Your Doctor

Before starting Nurtec, share your full medical history, including:

• Other medications and supplements you take
• Liver problems or other chronic conditions
• Pregnancy status or plans

Your healthcare provider can help you weigh the benefits and risks and determine if Nurtec is right for you.

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Final Thoughts

Nurtec (rimegepant) is a proven option for both the rapid relief and prevention of migraine in adults. Its targeted mechanism against CGRP makes it effective for many people who haven’t found relief with older migraine treatments. As with any prescription medication:

• Follow the prescribed dosing carefully.
• Monitor for side effects.
• Keep an open line of communication with your healthcare provider.

If you experience any serious or life-threatening symptoms, seek medical care immediately. Always speak to a doctor before making changes to your migraine treatment plan.