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
Nurtec
Ubrelvy vs. Nurtec Dosage
Ubrelvy
Nurtec
| 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 |
| 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
| 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
| 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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