Nurtec ODT is Now Approved to Help Prevent Episodic Migraine Too

The U.S. FDA initially authorized Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) in February 2020 to manage migraine in adults. Nurtec ODT is now the first migraine medicine approved for acute and preventive treatment, having received FDA approval to prevent episodic migraine.

Rimegepant was proven to be an effective migraine preventative when taken every other day, resulting in fewer monthly migraine days than a placebo (an inactive pill).

The FDA's approval of Nurtec ODT for both preventive and acute treatment of migraine has been one of the most groundbreaking advances.

The availability of a single prescription that patients can use to cure and prevent migraines may alter how patients are treated in the future.

Who Gets Migraine?

migraines were thought to impact 1 in 6 Americans. According to the study, the prevalence is higher in women, affecting 20.7% of women (or 1 in 5 women), as opposed to roughly 9.7% of men (or 1 in 10 men). The following demographics are among those who suffer from migraine or other severe headaches most frequently: American Indian or Alaska Native people (18.4%)

Those that are 18 to 44 years old (17.9%)

Those that are jobless (21.4%)

People whose annual household income is under $35,000. (19.9%)

The elderly and the disabled (16.4%)

According to the study's authors, headaches account for around 3% of all ER visits annually, making them one of the most frequent causes of ER visits. Headache is the third most common reason for ER visits, particularly among women of reproductive age.

If people requiring pricey medicines don't have access to them, disparities in migraine treatment may worsen, the study's authors said. Newer treatments for migraines, like Nurtec ODT, are likely to be more expensive than older migraine medications that have been on the market for a longer time and have cheap generic options.

What is Nurtec ODT

A calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist, Nurtec ODT, is an oral dissolving tablet. The region of the brain where the migraine-causing peptide CGRP attaches is the target of this class of medication. Nurtec ODT has been demonstrated to lessen pain and the most annoying symptoms associated with a migraine attack and decrease the number of monthly migraine days. This is accomplished by inhibiting the CGRP receptor. The more comprehensive, adaptable solution offered by Nurtec ODT gives migraineurs greater control over their condition and significant room for personalized care. With each dose, fast-acting Nurtec ODT can prevent or treat migraines for up to 48 hours.

The American Association of Medical Colleges refers to CGRP-targeting medications as "a new era for migraine relief" because of their substantial influence on migraine treatment. Additional migraine medications that target the CGRP protein itself or the CGRP receptor include Ajovy (fremanezumab), Emgality (galcanezumab), Ubrelvy (ubrogepant), Aimovig (erenumab), and Vyepti (eptinezumab).

In general, anti-CGRP therapies are well tolerated. The most typical side effects of rimegepant in the most recent clinical trial were indigestion and nausea.

Side Effects

Possible nausea and vomiting. Get emergency medical attention if this effect lasts longer than expected or becomes more severe. It's important to keep in mind that your doctor prescribed this medication because they feel there will be more benefits than drawbacks. Users of this medicine often do not have any serious adverse reactions. Extreme hypersensitivity is uncommon while using this medicine. A trip to the emergency room is in order if you develop a rash, itchiness, swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or neck), extreme disorientation, or trouble breathing. These signs and symptoms may be brought on by allergies. Some negative outcomes are left out. If you have any additional symptoms, please see your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to rimegepant or any other medications. The product's inactive ingredients might potentially trigger allergic reactions or other complications. If you're interested in learning more, see your neighbourhood pharmacist.

You should tell your doctor or pharmacist about all of your medical problems, particularly those that damage your kidneys or liver, before starting therapy with this drug.

This medicine may or may not include aspartame. Discuss the possibility of taking this medication safely with your doctor or pharmacist if you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or another illness that requires you to limit or avoid aspartame (or phenylalanine) in your diet.

This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly necessary. Please share both the good and the bad experiences you've had with your medical provider.

Interactions

Interactions between drugs may significantly increase the risk of undesirable side effects or modify how your medications work. The document does not list all possible drug interactions. Make sure your doctor and pharmacist are aware of everything you're taking, whether it's prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, or herbal supplements. Don't start, stop, or alter the dose of any medications without first seeing your doctor.

Some drugs may slow down Rimegepant’s elimination from the body, which could change how well it functions. Examples include rifamycin (such as rifampin and rifabutin), azole antifungals (such as itraconazole and ketoconazole), macrolide antibiotics (such as clarithromycin), St. John's wort, and medications used to treat seizures (such as phenytoin, carbamazepine), among others.

Overdose

If an individual overdoses and displays severe signs, such as fainting or difficulty breathing. A migraine headache may be triggered by certain foods, drinks, or food additives like cheese, red wine, chocolate, or monosodium glutamate, and lifestyle factors like stress or irregular eating and sleeping patterns. Migraine attacks might be lowered if these "triggers" are avoided. For further information, talk to your doctor.

Storage

Objects should be stored at normal temperature, out of direct sunlight and away from any moisture. Don't go in there. The use of any medications should be kept out of the reach of children and animals.

Do not dispose of medications by flushing them down the toilet or pouring them down a drain unless advised to do so. Dispose of the product in a responsible manner when it is no longer required or has expired. Get in touch with either your pharmacy or the local trash removal service.