How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Rimegepant belongs to the class of medications called calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonists. It is used by adults to treat migraines that occur with or without aura. It is not intended to prevent migraines.
Rimegepant works by blocking the activity of a protein called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). For people suffering a migraine attack, this protein is released by the nerves and causes increased pain. This medication prevents the CGRP from binding to pain receptors in the brain.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Each white-to-off-white, circular tablet, debossed with a symbol, contains 75 mg of rimegepant (as rimegepant sulfate). Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzyl alcohol, eucalyptol, gelatin, limonene, maize maltodextrin, mannitol, menthol, menthone, menthyl acetate, sucralose, and vanillin.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose of rimegepant is 75 mg dissolved on or under the tongue, when needed, to relieve migraine headache. The maximum dose is 75 mg during any 24-hour period.
Rimegepant ODT tablets dissolve with saliva, so no additional liquid is needed to take this medication. It may be taken with food or on an empty stomach.
Handle rimegepant tablets carefully, with dry hands, to prevent the tablet from crumbling. To remove the tablet from the foil packet, peel back the foil cover and gently remove the tablet from the packet. Do not push the tablet through the foil. After removing the tablet from the package, immediately place it on or under your tongue and let it dissolve.
The safety of taking more than 15 doses in a 30-day period is not known. For this reason, no more than 15 doses should be taken in a month. If you need to take this medication more frequently, contact your doctor.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Store this medication in its original packaging and remove the tablet from the package immediately before you are going to use it. Protect it from light and moisture and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to rimagepant or any ingredients of the medication.
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- nausea
- signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Allergic reactions: In rare cases, some people may develop an allergic reaction to this medication. Signs of an allergic reaction include a severe rash, hives, swollen face or throat, or difficulty breathing. Allergic reactions can occur several days after taking this medication. If you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction, contact your doctor immediately.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause this medication to buildup in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and taking rimegepant, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.
Seniors: The effects of this medication on seniors have not been well studied.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
For a full list of interactions, use the Drug Interaction Checker available on the Drugs.com website.
If you are taking other medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over the counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Nurtec-ODT
