Nurtec vs. Aimovig
See how Nurtec and Aimovig compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Nurtec is the only oral CGRP drug approved for both stopping a migraine attack and preventing episodic migraine, while Aimovig is approved only for prevention.
Nurtec is a dissolving tablet taken as needed or every other day, while Aimovig is a once-monthly self-injection.
Aimovig has a lower typical list price than Nurtec, but it requires self-injection and cannot treat a migraine once it has started.
Nurtec vs. Aimovig Drug Summary
Nurtec
Nurtec is a CGRP receptor antagonist that comes as an orally disintegrating tablet. It is FDA-approved both to stop a migraine attack once it starts and to prevent episodic migraine, using the same 75 mg dose for either purpose.
Aimovig
Aimovig is a monoclonal antibody that blocks the CGRP receptor, given as a once-monthly injection. It is FDA-approved only to prevent migraine attacks and is not used to treat an attack in progress.
Nurtec vs. Aimovig Side Effects
Nurtec
Aimovig
Nurtec vs. Aimovig Dosage
Nurtec
Aimovig
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 75 mg as needed | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 75 mg every other day | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 70 mg once monthly | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 140 mg once monthly | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
Nurtec
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 75 mg as needed | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 75 mg every other day | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
Aimovig
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 70 mg once monthly | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 140 mg once monthly | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
Nurtec vs. Aimovig Indications
Nurtec
Nurtec is FDA-approved to treat a migraine attack once it starts and to prevent episodic migraine, using the exact same 75 mg tablet for both. This dual approval means some patients can use one prescription for two different needs. It is not approved for chronic migraine or cluster headache.
Acute treatment of migraine with or without aura
Preventive treatment of episodic migraine
Same tablet strength used for both purposes
Not approved for chronic migraine or cluster headache
Aimovig
Aimovig is FDA-approved only to prevent migraine attacks before they happen, taken as a monthly injection. It is not approved to treat a migraine once symptoms begin, so it cannot replace an acute medication. It is intended for ongoing, long-term prevention rather than occasional use.
Preventive treatment of migraine in adults
Not indicated for treating an attack once it begins
Given as a once-monthly self-injection
Used continuously for ongoing prevention
Nurtec vs. Aimovig Pros and Cons
Nurtec
Nurtec is the only oral CGRP medication approved to both stop a migraine in progress and prevent future attacks, using the same tablet for both purposes. It dissolves without water, which appeals to people who have trouble swallowing pills during an attack. It generally costs more out of pocket than Aimovig.
Pros
Only oral CGRP drug approved for both acute and preventive use
Dissolves under the tongue, no water needed
Flexible as-needed dosing for acute attacks
No dose titration required, starts at full strength
Cons
Typically $1,000 to $1,376 per month without insurance, higher than Aimovig
Must avoid strong CYP3A4 inhibitors due to interaction risk
Daily decision-making needed on whether and when to dose
No generic version available
Aimovig
Aimovig is dosed once a month as a subcutaneous injection, aimed only at preventing migraine attacks over time. It does not treat migraines once they start, so many patients still need a separate acute medication on hand. It typically costs less out of pocket than Nurtec.
Pros
Only 12 doses needed per year
Typically $783 to $943 per month without insurance, lower than Nurtec
As an antibody, has no known CYP450 drug interactions
Prefilled autoinjector simplifies at-home dosing
Cons
Requires self-injection with a needle
Cannot treat a migraine attack that has already started
Constipation risk, including rare serious complications
Injection site reactions are common
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