From the Guidelines
Ubrelvy (ubrogepant) and Nurtec (rimegepant) are both oral medications used for the treatment of migraine headaches, but they have some differences, with Nurtec being FDA-approved for both acute and preventive treatment, while Ubrelvy is only approved for acute treatment 1.
Key Differences
- Ubrelvy is approved only for acute treatment of migraine attacks, taken as needed when a migraine occurs, typically at doses of 50 mg or 100 mg.
- Nurtec, on the other hand, is FDA-approved for both acute treatment (75 mg as needed) and preventive treatment (75 mg every other day) of migraines.
- Both medications belong to the same class of drugs called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists, which work by blocking the CGRP protein that causes inflammation and pain during migraines.
Side Effects and Duration of Action
- Their side effect profiles are similar, with nausea and tiredness being common, though individual responses may vary.
- The duration of action differs slightly - Ubrelvy typically works for about 24 hours, while Nurtec may last up to 48 hours.
Recommendations and Considerations
- Both medications should not be taken with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (certain antibiotics and antifungals), and neither is recommended during pregnancy without consulting a healthcare provider 1.
- Insurance coverage and cost can vary significantly between these medications, so patients should check with their insurance provider about coverage options.
- The choice between Ubrelvy and Nurtec should be based on individual patient needs and preferences, taking into account the severity and frequency of their migraines, as well as any comorbid conditions or medications they may be taking 1.
From the Research
Difference between Ubrelvy and Nurtec
- Ubrelvy (ubrogepant) and Nurtec (rimegepant) are both gepants, a class of drugs used for the acute treatment of migraine 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Both Ubrelvy and Nurtec are calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists, which work by blocking the CGRP receptor to provide relief from migraine symptoms 3, 4, 6.
- The main difference between Ubrelvy and Nurtec is their formulation and administration:
- In terms of efficacy, both Ubrelvy and Nurtec have been shown to be effective in providing pain freedom and relief from migraine symptoms at 2 hours post-treatment, with similar efficacy to triptans and other migraine treatments 2, 5.
- Both Ubrelvy and Nurtec have been associated with a lower risk of adverse events compared to triptans, and do not have significant cardiovascular risks 5, 6.
- The choice between Ubrelvy and Nurtec may depend on individual patient needs and preferences, as well as the specific characteristics of their migraine symptoms 4.