When it comes to managing acute or episodic migraines (affecting over 35 million adult Americans), Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is an effective treatment option. While the medication brings relief, it can also cause some side effects, ranging from mild to serious. Understanding all the possible side effects can help you use this treatment with safety. Let's explore the blog and learn about all the Nurtec side effects and tips to minimize them.
6 Nurtec ODT Side Effects
Some individuals may experience mild or serious side effects while taking Nurtec ODT (rimegepant).
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Nausea
The frequently reported effect that may occur for a short period after swallowing the dose. Sometimes, migraine itself can cause nausea rather than medicine. So, discuss it with your doctor who can help you suggest it to take the medication in a smaller dose or with food. The providers may also prescribe anti-nausea medications.
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Abdominal Pain
Some people taking the medication daily to prevent the migraine symptoms may experience temporary mild stomach pain. The pain subsides as the body starts adjusting to the medicine. If the pain still occurs, having the medication with food and lying down after taking it can help reduce it. In case of severe stomach pain, see a doctor.
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Indigestion
Indigestion basically occurs due to the effect of the Nurtec ODT on the digestive processes and the nervous system. It comes with burping, bloating, or a feeling of fullness rapidly after you take the medicine. These symptoms are mild and temporary and resolve on their own as the body adjusts to the medicine.
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Allergic Reactions
Some people might develop the symptoms of allergic reaction such as skin rashes, itchiness, flushing, swelling in the face, tongue, or throat, making it difficult to breathe, or swelling under the hands, eyelids, lips, or feet. These reactions can be mild or severe and might develop for a short period after taking the medicine or some days later.
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Liver Problems
Some people, especially those with a history of liver disease, can experience liver issues. This happens because the liver helps with drug metabolism, and liver patients can accumulate more drugs in the body, leading to more issues. Symptoms of liver issues may include dark urine, persistent stomach pain, or yellowing of the eyes or skin. Thus, regular monitoring is crucial for people at risk.
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Heart-Related Problems
Though rare, some people with pre-existing heart conditions might experience heart-related issues like high blood pressure or fast heart rate. In addition, heart-related medicines can also interact with Nurtec ODT which can increase the risk of potential side effects. So, always be very careful and discuss your heart issues and medicines with your doctor.
Rare, Notable Side Effects
Although these side effects are rare, they need immediate attention:
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Vision Issues: In rare cases, people may develop blurred vision or any visual disturbance.
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Severe Headaches: In some cases, acute migraines might lead to rebound headaches or more severe migraine attacks.
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Dizziness: Some people may experience excessive dizziness or fainting, particularly while standing.
Important Note: If you experience any adverse side effects, see the doctor immediately. If symptoms are highly severe, call 911 or 1-800-222-1222. You can also report your symptoms to the FDA by contacting 800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Warnings and Precautions While Using Nurtec ODT (rimegepant)
Be mindful of these guidelines when using Nurtec (rimegepant):
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Don't take for chronic migraine: Nurtec is only FDA-approved for the treatment of acute migraines or prevention of episodic migraines. Don't use it for chronic migraine which is for more than 15 days in one month.
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Use as recommended: Take it as prescribed (75 mg which is 1 tablet in 24 hours); do not exceed the recommended dosage.
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Avoid if you're allergic: Do not use the medication if you are allergic to Nurtec or any of its ingredients. So, read the label carefully.
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Prefer liver and kidney safety: If you are living with pre-existing liver or kidney issues, avoid it as medication might build up in the system and may worsen the condition. So, always discuss it with your doctor.
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Be careful during pregnancy and breastfeeding: Not well-studied during pregnancy, so visit your gynecologist. You can also enroll in the Migraine Observational Nurtec Pregnancy Registry (MONITOR) which gathers information regarding the safety of Nurtec (in case you become pregnant during Nurtec treatment). Also, the medications can pass to breast milk and cause effects on the newborn but those effects aren't well-known. So, talk to your doctor.
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Don't overuse: Avoid frequent use of Nurtec as it might lead to rebound headaches. Seek medical help immediately or call 911 or 800-222-1222 in case someone takes too many doses.
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Discuss your medications: Inform your doctor if you're taking Fluconazole, Rifampin, Amiodarone, Ranolazine, ciprofloxacin, or any other medications, herbal products, or supplements. The drug interaction can reduce the effectiveness of the medication or worsen the symptoms.
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Be cautious about age: Nurtec is recommended for individuals above 18 years having migraine with or without aura. Older people above 65 years can safely take the medication under the guidance of a doctor.
Note: Always speak with the doctor for personalized advice to ensure the effective and safe use of the medication.
Final Thoughts
Though well-tolerated, Nurtec side effects- from mild to severe can occur during the treatment. Those side effects may include nausea, abdominal pain, indigestion, or allergic reactions. Hence, you need to follow the prescribed dose, monitor the symptoms, and report the adverse effects immediately to the doctor. The healthcare providers will help adjust the dosage or provide alternative options for better health.
If you have any concerns or doubts when deciding whether Nurtec is the right choice or not, see a doctor for personalized advice.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes only. Always consult a medical professional before using any medicine in case of serious problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to avoid when taking Nurtec?
Avoid grapefruit juices, cyclosporine, amiodarone, anti-seizure medications, and supplements like St. John's wort with Nurtec as they can make Nurtec less effective.
Does Nurtec cause long-term side effects?
No, it doesn't cause long-term effects. Nausea can resolve once the body gets adjusted to the medication.
Can Nurtec cause weight gain?
No, Nurtec does not lead to weight gain. Other medications such as divalproex or amitriptyline used to prevent migraine headaches can increase weight.
Does Nurtec cause constipation?
No, constipation is not the side effect of Nurtec. It can occur due to other reasons such as other medications.
Will Nurtec make you sleepy?
No, sleepiness is not a side effect of Nurtec. Other medications like triptans or ubrogepant (to treat migraine) or divalproex or amitriptyline (to prevent migraine) can make you sleepy.
Does Nurtec raise blood pressure?
No, this medication doesn't raise blood pressure. High blood pressure can be the side effects of other medications like sumatriptan used to treat migraines.
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