Ubrelvy (ubrogepant) and Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) are prescription drugs used to treat migraine episodes. Ubrelvy comes as a tablet that you swallow. Nurtec ODT comes as a tablet that dissolves on or under your tongue. Neither drug is available as a generic.
This article explains how Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT are alike and different. For more information about these drugs, including their uses, see this Ubrelvy overview and this Nurtec ODT overview.
See the following list to learn whether Ubrelvy or Nurtec ODT is available as a generic. (A generic drug contains an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication.)
- Ubrelvy:
- Available as a generic: no
- Active ingredient: ubrogepant
- Nurtec ODT:
- Available as a generic: no
- Active ingredient: rimegepant
See the following table for details on the conditions each drug treats or prevents.
| Use | Ubrelvy | Nurtec ODT |
|---|---|---|
| immediate treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults | ✓ | ✓ |
| prevention of episodic migraine in adults | ✓ |
To learn more about using Ubrelvy or Nurtec ODT to treat your condition, talk with your doctor.
Here’s an overview of the dosage and how you’ll take Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT for migraine treatment.
Nurtec ODT is also used to help prevent episodic migraine, but this use isn’t addressed below. To learn more about the dosages for all uses of these drugs, see the Ubrelvy dosage and Nurtec ODT dosage articles.
Dosage for migraine treatment
The following table shows the dosages of Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT for immediate treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults. The strengths of each drug are listed in milligrams (mg).
| Ubrelvy for migraine treatment | Nurtec ODT for migraine treatment | |
|---|---|---|
| Forms | tablet that you swallow | orally disintegrating tablet (a tablet that dissolves on or under your tongue) |
| Strengths | 50 mg and 100 mg | 75 mg |
| Dose | 1 tablet | 1 tablet |
| How often to take | as needed at the start of migraine symptoms, with a second dose 2 hours later if symptoms persist | as needed at the start of migraine symptoms |
| Maximum dose in 24 hours | 200 mg | 75 mg |
Some people taking Ubrelvy or Nurtec ODT may experience mild or serious side effects.
For more information about possible side effects, see the Ubrelvy side effects and Nurtec ODT side effects articles.
Mild side effects
Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT may cause mild side effects. The following table lists examples of mild side effects that have been reported with these drugs.
| Ubrelvy | Nurtec ODT | |
|---|---|---|
| dry mouth | ✓ | |
| nausea | ✓ | ✓ |
| sleepiness | ✓ | |
| abdominal pain | ✓ | |
| indigestion | ✓ |
This table may not include all mild side effects of these drugs. For more information on mild side effects of the two drugs, see the Ubrelvy prescribing information and Nurtec ODT prescribing information.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects may also occur in people using Ubrelvy or Nurtec ODT, but they aren’t common. To learn about your specific risk for serious side effects from either of these drugs, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
In rare cases, some people may experience an allergic reaction to Ubrelvy or Nurtec ODT. See the following section for details.
ALLERGIC REACTIONFor some people, Ubrelvy or Nurtec ODT can cause an allergic reaction. This side effect wasn’t specifically reported in studies of Ubrelvy, although allergic reactions have been reported since the drug became available. Allergic reactions were reported in studies of Nurtec ODT, but this side effect was rare.
In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.
What might help
If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should keep taking Ubrelvy.
If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.
If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Ubrelvy or Nurtec ODT, they may have you switch to a different treatment.
Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT.
Can I take Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT together?
Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT aren’t typically used together. This is because they belong to the same group of drugs called calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonists. Taking them together may increase the risk of side effects without offering additional benefits.
Both drugs are used to treat migraine episodes, and Nurtec ODT is also approved for migraine prevention. Your doctor can recommend the best treatment plan based on your needs.
How do Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT compare with Qulipta?
Ubrelvy, Nurtec ODT, and Qulipta belong to the same group of drugs called calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonists. They have similar uses but different active ingredients.
Ubrelvy contains the active ingredient ubrogepant. Nurtec ODT contains rimegepant, while Qulipta contains atogepant.
Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT can be used for the immediate treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults. And Nurtec ODT and Qulipta can be used to help prevent migraine episodes.
Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about how these drugs compare.
You may wonder whether Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT are effective for your condition.
Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT are both used for the immediate treatment of migraine. Studies of Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT have shown that both drugs are effective for this use. In addition, the American Headache Society includes both drugs in its
It’s important to note that your results from Ubrelvy or Nurtec ODT may differ from those seen in studies. Talk with your doctor about whether one of these drugs is right for you.
If you’d like to read more about how each drug performed in studies, see the prescribing information for Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT.
Whether you have health insurance or not, cost may be a factor when considering these drugs. Visit Optum Perks to get price estimates for Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT when you use coupons from the site. (Note: Optum Perks is a sister site of Healthline.) It’s important to note that Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
Keep in mind that what you’ll pay for either drug will depend on your treatment plan, health insurance, and the pharmacy you use.
Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT are both brand-name drugs. Neither drug is available as a generic. You’ll usually pay more for brand-name drugs than for generics.
For other resources that might help you save on the price of these drugs, see the Ubrelvy cost and Nurtec ODT cost articles.
Optum Perks is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.
Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These may be referred to as warnings.
The two drugs share some of the same warnings, which are mentioned below. Before using Ubrelvy or Nurtec ODT, talk with your doctor if any of the following conditions or health factors apply to you.
- Warnings for both Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT:
- if you’ve had an allergic reaction to either drug or any of its ingredients
- if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- if you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed
- if you have a liver or kidney problem
- if you have high blood pressure
- if you have Raynaud phenomenon
To learn more about these drugs, see this Ubrelvy overview and this Nurtec ODT overview.
The short answer: Yes, it’s possible.
Details: Both Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT are used to treat migraine with or without aura. It may be possible to switch between the two drugs for this use. Your doctor can tell you more.
Reminder: You should not switch drugs or stop your current treatment unless your doctor recommends it.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.