Ubrelvy vs. Nurtec

See how Ubrelvy and Nurtec compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Ubrelvy is approved only for acute migraine treatment, while Nurtec is approved for both acute treatment and prevention of episodic migraine.

  • Both are oral CGRP receptor antagonists that work within hours of an attack, but Nurtec's orally disintegrating tablet dissolves without water.

  • Ubrelvy allows a second dose at least two hours after the first if needed, while Nurtec caps total intake at 75 mg in any 24-hour period.

Ubrelvy vs. Nurtec Drug Summary

Ubrelvy

Ubrelvy (ubrogepant) is an oral CGRP receptor antagonist approved to treat acute migraine attacks with or without aura in adults. It is taken as a swallowed tablet at the first sign of a migraine, with an optional second dose at least two hours later if needed. Ubrelvy is not approved to prevent migraines.

Nurtec

Nurtec (rimegepant) is an oral CGRP receptor antagonist approved both to treat acute migraine attacks and to prevent episodic migraine in adults. It comes as an orally disintegrating tablet that dissolves on the tongue, taken either as needed for an attack or every other day for prevention. Maximum dose is 75 mg in any 24-hour period.

Ubrelvy vs. Nurtec Side Effects

Ubrelvy

Most common
nausea (up to 4%)
somnolence (up to 3%)

Nurtec

Most common
nausea (up to 2.7%)
abdominal pain/dyspepsia (up to 2.4%)

Ubrelvy vs. Nurtec Dosage

Ubrelvy

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 50 mg or 100 mg (2nd dose) At the start
Maximum dose 50 mg or 100 mg (2nd dose) Same as starting
Dose changes None Fixed dose

Nurtec

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Ubrelvy vs. Nurtec Indications

Ubrelvy

Ubrelvy treats migraine attacks after they start, targeting pain, nausea, and light sensitivity within hours. It is approved only for acute treatment in adults and does not reduce how often migraines occur.

  • Acute treatment of migraine with or without aura

  • For use in adults only

  • Not approved for migraine prevention

  • Not approved for use in pediatric patients

Nurtec

Nurtec treats migraine attacks as they happen and can also be taken regularly to reduce how often episodic migraines occur. It is the only oral CGRP medication approved for both uses in a single formulation.

  • Acute treatment of migraine with or without aura

  • Preventive treatment of episodic migraine

  • For use in adults only

  • Not approved for chronic migraine or cluster headache

Ubrelvy vs. Nurtec Pros and Cons

Ubrelvy

Ubrelvy is a reliable acute option with a built-in second-dose strategy for attacks that don't fully respond to the first pill. It isn't intended for daily prevention, and some interacting medications require dose changes.

Pros

  • Can take a second dose the same day if needed

  • No dose adjustment needed for mild or moderate kidney disease

  • Simple swallowed tablet, no special administration

Cons

  • Not approved for migraine prevention

  • Must be swallowed with water, unlike Nurtec's dissolving tablet

  • Needs dose changes with several common CYP3A4 and BCRP/P-gp drugs

Nurtec

Nurtec's dual approval for acute treatment and prevention makes it a flexible one-drug option for people with frequent migraines. The dissolving tablet is convenient, but its 75 mg daily cap limits how often it can be redosed for breakthrough pain.

Pros

  • Also approved to prevent episodic migraine, not just treat it

  • Dissolves on the tongue, no water needed

  • Every-other-day dosing option when used for prevention

Cons

  • Hard 75 mg per day cap limits redosing for breakthrough pain

  • No generic version available yet

  • Only one strength, less dosing flexibility than Ubrelvy

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