How Does Nurtec Work? Migraine Treatment Explained

How Does Nurtec Work? Migraine Treatment Explained

<< Go back to blog

Migraine can interfere with work, sleep, family activities, and everyday routines. For people who need prescription treatment, understanding how a medication works can make it easier to have informed conversations with a healthcare provider.

So, how does Nurtec work? Nurtec ODT contains rimegepant, a medication that blocks the receptor for calcitonin gene-related peptide, or CGRP. CGRP is involved in migraine pathways and pain signaling. By blocking the CGRP receptor, Nurtec ODT can help treat a migraine attack that has already started and, when taken on a preventive schedule, reduce the frequency of episodic migraine attacks in adults.

How Does Nurtec Work on CGRP?

Nurtec ODT belongs to a medication class called CGRP receptor antagonists, also known as gepants. Unlike some older migraine treatments, Nurtec works by preventing CGRP from attaching to its receptor.

CGRP activity is associated with the biological processes involved in migraine. Blocking this pathway can reduce migraine symptoms without directly constricting blood vessels.

The FDA-approved prescribing information for Nurtec ODT lists two uses in adults:

  • Acute treatment of migraine with or without aura

  • Preventive treatment of episodic migraine

For acute treatment, the recommended dose is 75 mg as needed, with no more than 75 mg taken within 24 hours. For prevention of episodic migraine, the recommended dosage is 75 mg every other day. Patients should use Nurtec only as prescribed by their healthcare provider.

U.S. customers with a prescription can also view Nurtec ODT 75 mg at Canada Drugs Direct when comparing medication access and pricing options.

How Quickly Does Nurtec Work?

How quickly Nurtec works can vary from person to person. In the clinical trial used to support its approval for acute migraine treatment, researchers evaluated improvement two hours after a 75 mg dose.

At two hours, 59.3% of people taking Nurtec experienced pain relief, compared with 43.3% taking a placebo. About 21.2% were completely pain-free at two hours, compared with 10.9% in the placebo group.

These results do not mean everyone will experience relief within exactly two hours. Migraine response varies, and factors such as the severity of an attack and individual treatment history may affect how a person responds.

When Nurtec is taken to prevent episodic migraine, the goal is different. Rather than treating one attack, regular every-other-day dosing is intended to reduce the number of migraine days over time.

Is Nurtec ODT Used to Treat Cluster Headaches?

Nurtec ODT is not FDA-approved to treat cluster headaches. Its approved indications are acute migraine treatment and prevention of episodic migraine in adults.

Migraine and cluster headache are different headache disorders, even though both can cause severe head pain. Cluster headaches typically produce extremely intense pain on one side of the head, often around the eye, and may occur repeatedly over a period of weeks or months.

The American Migraine Foundation explains cluster headache treatment options, which can include treatments that differ from those routinely used for migraine.

If you experience severe or recurring headaches but are unsure whether they are migraine or cluster headaches, speak with a healthcare provider. An accurate diagnosis is important because treatment approaches can differ.

What Should You Know Before Taking Nurtec?

Nurtec is not appropriate for everyone. The current prescribing information warns about serious allergic reactions, which can sometimes occur days after taking the medication. New or worsening high blood pressure and Raynaud's phenomenon, a circulation problem that can cause fingers or toes to become cold, numb, painful, or discolored, have also been reported.

For acute migraine treatment, nausea is the most commonly reported side effect. When rimegepant is used preventively, nausea and abdominal pain or indigestion are among the reported side effects.

Nurtec can also interact with certain medications that affect how rimegepant is processed in the body. Tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist about prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements you take.

If your healthcare provider has prescribed Nurtec, you can compare Nurtec ODT options through Canada Drugs Direct. Canada Drugs Direct serves U.S. customers seeking convenient access to prescription medications through international pharmacy sources, with pharmacist review of prescription orders.

Nurtec offers one medication option that can be used for both acute migraine treatment and prevention of episodic migraine. Whether it is appropriate for you depends on your migraine pattern, medical history, other medications, and treatment goals. Your healthcare provider can help determine whether Nurtec fits your migraine treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Nurtec work for migraines?

Nurtec contains rimegepant, which blocks the CGRP receptor. CGRP is involved in migraine pain signaling. Blocking this pathway can help relieve an active migraine and reduce migraine frequency when Nurtec is used preventively.

Does Nurtec work immediately?

Nurtec does not work at exactly the same speed for everyone. In an acute migraine clinical trial, researchers observed significant improvements in pain relief and freedom from the most bothersome migraine symptom at two hours after dosing.

Can Nurtec prevent migraines?

Yes. Nurtec ODT is FDA-approved for the preventive treatment of episodic migraine in adults. The recommended preventive dosage is 75 mg every other day, but patients should follow the schedule prescribed by their healthcare provider.

Is Nurtec ODT used to treat cluster headaches?

Nurtec ODT is not FDA-approved for cluster headache treatment. Cluster headache and migraine are different headache disorders and may require different treatment approaches.

Is Nurtec a triptan?

No. Nurtec is a CGRP receptor antagonist, or gepant. It works differently from triptans, which affect serotonin receptors. A healthcare provider can help determine which migraine treatment is appropriate based on your health history and symptoms.


IMPORTANT NOTE: The information provided above is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or veterinary advice. Always consult your physician, pharmacist, or veterinarian regarding the safety, suitability, and proper use of any medication for yourself or your pet.


<< Go back to blog