Rimegepant
Pronunciation: pronunciation varies by local usage.
- Generic name
- rimegepant
- Brand names
- Nurtec ODT
- Drug class
- Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist
- Form
- Orally disintegrating tablet
- Route
- Oral
- Legal status
- Prescription-only medicine
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States
Australia: · Full directory
What rimegepant is and how it works
Rimegepant is a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist used for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults, and for the preventive treatment of episodic migraine in adults. (1)
It is an orally disintegrating tablet taken with or without food. Do not exceed 75 mg in a 24-hour period for acute use; for prevention, take one 75 mg tablet every other day. The safety of using more than 18 doses in a 30-day period has not been established.
Mechanism of action: how rimegepant works
Rimegepant is a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist. (1)
What rimegepant is used for
Acute treatment of migraine
Rimegepant 75 mg orally disintegrating tablet is taken as needed for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults. The maximum dose is 75 mg in a 24-hour period. (1)
Preventive treatment of episodic migraine
Rimegepant 75 mg orally disintegrating tablet is taken every other day for the preventive treatment of episodic migraine in adults. (1)
Before taking rimegepant
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Do not take rimegepant if you have a history of hypersensitivity reaction to rimegepant or any of its components. (all indications) (1)
Tell your clinician about
- Allergies to rimegepant or any of its ingredients
- Current or planned pregnancy (a pregnancy registry exists) and breastfeeding status
- Liver or kidney problems, especially severe hepatic impairment or end-stage renal disease
- All other medicines you take, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products, especially those affecting CYP3A4 or P-gp/BCRP
How to take rimegepant
- Open the blister pack with dry hands; place one tablet on the tongue (or under the tongue) where it disintegrates. No water is needed.
- Rimegepant can be taken with or without food.
- For acute treatment: take 75 mg as soon as you notice migraine symptoms, and do not take more than one dose in 24 hours.
- For prevention: take 75 mg every other day. Do not take two tablets within 48 hours for prevention.
- Do not change the dose or dosing schedule on your own. Follow the exact instructions from your prescriber.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1)
Missed dose
The prescribing information does not provide specific missed-dose instructions. For preventive dosing (every other day), if you forget a dose, contact your prescriber for guidance. Do not take an extra tablet to make up for a missed dose without medical advice.
Overdose
The maximum dose is 75 mg in a 24-hour period. The safety of using more than 18 doses in 30 days has not been established. If more than the prescribed amount may have been taken, contact your healthcare provider or poison control centre immediately. (1)
Side effects
Common side effects may include nausea and abdominal discomfort. Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, can occur and may be delayed.
Nausea
What to notice: Nausea after taking rimegepant. In acute-treatment trials, nausea occurred in 2% of patients taking rimegepant (vs 0.4% placebo); in preventive trials, 2.7% (vs 0.8%).
What to do: If nausea is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, inform your healthcare provider. (1)
Abdominal pain or dyspepsia
What to notice: Abdominal discomfort or indigestion. In preventive trials, abdominal pain/dyspepsia occurred in 2.4% of patients taking rimegepant (vs 0.8% placebo).
What to do: Discuss bothersome symptoms with your prescriber. (1)
Hypersensitivity reaction
What to notice: Rash, shortness of breath, or anaphylaxis. Reactions can occur days after taking rimegepant.
What to do: Contact your healthcare provider promptly and seek medical attention immediately for any signs of anaphylaxis. The prescriber will decide on any future use of rimegepant. (1)
Serious warnings
Hypersensitivity including anaphylaxis — emergency
Symptoms: Shortness of breath, rash, or anaphylaxis (which may include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing; hives; or a feeling of impending danger). Delayed reactions have been reported.
Action: Seek emergency medical attention immediately. Do not take another dose without a clinician's assessment. (1)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin) | Increased rimegepant exposure, which may increase side effects. | Avoid concomitant use with rimegepant. (1) |
| Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., diltiazem, erythromycin) | Increased rimegepant exposure. | Avoid taking another rimegepant dose within 48 hours of a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor. (1) |
| Strong or moderate CYP3A inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine) | Substantially reduced rimegepant exposure, which may decrease effectiveness. | Avoid concomitant use with rimegepant. (1) |
| Potent P-glycoprotein (P-gp) or breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) inhibitors (e.g., verapamil, cyclosporine) | Increased rimegepant exposure. | Avoid taking another rimegepant dose within 48 hours of a potent P-gp or BCRP inhibitor. (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Hepatic impairment
Avoid use in patients with severe hepatic impairment. If you have significant liver problems, discuss with your prescriber whether rimegepant is appropriate. (1)
Renal impairment
Avoid use in patients with end-stage renal disease (CLcr less than 15 mL/min). Your kidney function should be considered before starting rimegepant. (1)
Pregnancy
Human data are insufficient; animal studies showed decreased fetal body weight and increased skeletal variations at high exposures. A pregnancy registry exists. The decision to use rimegepant during pregnancy must be made with your healthcare provider, weighing potential risks and benefits. (1)
Breastfeeding
Rimegepant passes into breastmilk; relative infant dose is estimated to be below 1% (milk-to-plasma ratio 0.20). Discuss breastfeeding plans with your care team to make an informed decision. (1)
Monitoring
Before starting
- Assess hepatic and renal function, particularly in patients with known liver or kidney impairment.
- Review all concurrent medications for potential interactions with CYP3A4, P-gp, or BCRP.
- Discuss any history of hypersensitivity reactions to medications.
- Confirm pregnancy status and discuss the pregnancy registry if applicable.
During treatment
- Monitor for signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity, including delayed reactions, and advise patients to seek emergency care if anaphylaxis occurs.
- Evaluate treatment effectiveness for either acute relief or reduction in migraine frequency, as appropriate.
- Reassess liver and kidney function if clinically indicated and if new medications that could interact are started.
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature, 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Keep tablets in the original packaging until use.
Study the drug class: Triptans and migraine agents
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. Use the current full prescribing information and local guidelines.
United States
Indication: Acute treatment of migraine
Dose summary: 75 mg orally as needed; maximum 75 mg in 24 hours.
Renal context: Avoid use in patients with end-stage renal disease (CLcr < 15 mL/min). (1)
United States
Indication: Preventive treatment of episodic migraine
Dose summary: 75 mg orally every other day.
Renal context: Avoid use in patients with end-stage renal disease (CLcr < 15 mL/min). (1)
Hepatic guidance
Avoid use in severe hepatic impairment. No dose adjustment is recommended for mild to moderate hepatic impairment, but use with caution.
Overdose note
Maximum single dose is 75 mg. Taking more than 18 doses in 30 days is not recommended due to limited safety data. Management of overdose should include supportive measures and monitoring for hypersensitivity. (1)
Frequently asked questions
How do I take Nurtec ODT?
Open the blister pack with dry hands, peel back the foil, and gently remove the tablet. Place it on your tongue (or under the tongue); it will dissolve without water. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Take it with or without food, exactly as your prescriber directed. (1)
Can I take rimegepant if I have liver or kidney problems?
Rimegepant should be avoided if you have severe liver disease or end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis. Mild to moderate liver impairment may allow use, but your healthcare provider must decide. Be sure to tell your provider about any history of liver or kidney issues. (1)
What should I do if I develop a rash or breathing difficulty after taking rimegepant?
These could be signs of a serious allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis. Seek emergency medical help immediately. Delayed reactions have occurred days after dosing, so remain watchful. (1)
What is the mechanism of action of rimegepant?
Rimegepant is a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist. (1)
What is the generic name of Rimegepant?
The generic name is rimegepant. It is sold under brand names including Nurtec ODT. (1)
What class of drug is rimegepant?
Rimegepant is classed as: Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist. (1)
References
- NURTEC ODT (rimegepant) orally disintegrating tablets, Pfizer, label revised 2026-04U.S. Food and Drug Administration via DailyMed · United States · dated 2026-04 · accessed 2026-08-08 · source 1
- Rimegepant — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 2
- NURTEC ODT — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA NDA212728)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- rimegepant — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 2282307)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient rimegepant names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- NURTEC ODT75 mg · pfizer laboratories div pfizer inc