Qulipta vs. Nurtec ODT: What to know about each
Qulipta (atogepant) and Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) are brand-name tablets prescribed to prevent migraine. Each drug also has other uses.
This article explains the main similarities and differences between Qulipta and Nurtec ODT. Discussing this information with your doctor can help you decide whether one of these drugs is suitable for you.
For more comprehensive information about these drugs, you can refer to our Qulipta article and Nurtec ODT article.
The following table notes the generic status of Qulipta and Nurtec ODT and other details.
For more information about the drugs’ uses, see our Qulipta article and Nurtec ODT article.
This section discusses the dosages and administration of Qulipta and Nurtec ODT for their approved uses.
Qulipta and Nurtec ODT both help prevent episodic migraine in adults. Episodic migraine typically occurs 14 or fewer days per month.
The following table shows the recommended dosages for each drug in milligrams (mg). You can take either drug yourself (a healthcare professional does not need to administer it).
For information about the drugs’ other dosages, see our Qulipta dosage article and Nurtec ODT dosage article.
Qulipta and Nurtec ODT both help prevent episodic migraine in adults. These drugs can cause some of the same side effects and different ones. The sections here list some of the side effects reported in clinical trials of these drugs.
For more details about side effects of these drugs, see our Qulipta side effects article and Nurtec ODT side effects article. You can also refer to the Qulipta prescribing information and the Nurtec ODT prescribing information.
The following table lists some of the more commonly reported mild side effects of Qulipta and Nurtec ODT. Some of these mild side effects may be less common, but they’re included because some people may have concerns about them.
These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. If the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
The following table lists serious side effects reported with Qulipta and Nurtec ODT.
If you have serious side effects while using Qulipta or Nurtec ODT, call your doctor immediately. If the side effects feel life threatening or you believe you’re having a medical emergency, call 911. Or call your local emergency number right away.
For some people, Qulipta and Nurtec ODT can cause an allergic reaction. This side effect was reported in studies of Qulipta and Nurtec ODT.
In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911. Or call your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening.
If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Qulipta, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Here are answers to some common questions about Qulipta and Nurtec ODT.
It depends. Both medications help prevent episodic migraine in adults. Nurtec ODT also treats acute (sudden) migraine episodes (attacks) with or without aura in adults. With its dual use, some people may prefer Nurtec ODT because they experience migraine both frequently and suddenly.
The dosage form and strength may also influence your decision to choose either Qulipta or Nurtec ODT. Qulipta comes as a tablet that you swallow and is available in multiple strengths. Nurtec ODT comes as a tablet that dissolves on or under your tongue. But it’s available in only one strength, which may limit the flexibility to adjust its dosage if needed.
Side effects also vary between Qulipta and Nurtec ODT. While both medications may cause nausea, Qulipta may also cause constipation, drowsiness, and fatigue (low energy). Nurtec ODT more commonly causes stomach pain and indigestion. If certain side effects bother or concern you more, this information may help you choose the medication that suits you better.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have more questions about Qulipta or Nurtec ODT.
Ubrelvy, Qulipta, and Nurtec ODT are all approved to either treat or help prevent migraine.
Specifically, Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT are approved to treat acute (sudden) migraine episodes (attacks) that occur with or without aura in adults. Nurtec ODT is also used to help prevent episodic migraine in adults.
On the other hand, Qulipta is used only for the prevention of migraine. It helps prevent both episodic and chronic migraine in adults.
All three medications belong to the same group of drugs called CGRP receptor antagonists. They work similarly in the body to manage migraine. Because of this, they share some side effects. Examples include nausea, high blood pressure, and Raynaud phenomenon (a circulation problem in your fingers and toes).
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have more questions about Ubrelvy, Qulipta, or Nurtec ODT.
It’s not known whether taking Nurtec ODT and Qulipta together or on the same day is safe. This is because both medications belong to the same group of drugs, CGRP receptor antagonists.
Both drugs work similarly in the body to manage migraine. Because of this, they have some of the same side effects. So taking both medications together may raise your risk of side effects. Examples of side effects that both Nurtec ODT and Qulipta share include:
If you take Qulipta for preventing migraine episodes, your doctor may prescribe a medication from a different drug group for treating sudden migraine episodes. This helps reduce your risk of side effects from combining and taking similar medications.
Other options to treat sudden migraine episodes include rizatriptan (Maxalt), naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve), and acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have more questions about migraine medications and how they might interact.
You may wonder how Qulipta and Nurtec ODT compare in preventing migraine.
Comparison review of studies: A large review of studies compared separate studies of Qulipta and Nurtec ODT for preventing migraine in adults. The review compared Qulipta 60 mg taken once daily to Nurtec ODT 75 mg taken once every 2 days. It showed that at these dosages, Qulipta may be more effective than Nurtec ODT for reducing the number of migraine days experienced in a month.
But it’s important to note that the results from these studies and the review may not apply to your individual health situation. Be sure to talk with your doctor to check whether Qulipta or Nurtec ODT may be right for you.
Prescribing information: The Qulipta prescribing information and the Nurtec ODT prescribing information include separate clinical trial results. In these trials, each respective drug was more effective than a placebo at preventing migraine episodes in adults. (A placebo is a substance with no active drug ingredient.) Keep in mind that these study results may not apply to your individual health situation.
Treatment guidelines: Recognized medical organizations include certain drugs in their treatment guidelines. When this occurs, it means research has shown the drugs to be safe and effective.
The
For more details about the cost of these two drugs, see our Qulipta cost article and Nurtec ODT cost article.
Both Qulipta and Nurtec ODT are brand-name drugs. Brand-name medications often cost more than generics. Neither drug has a generic form available.
Qulipta and Nurtec ODT may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These drugs have some of the same precautions, some of which are mentioned here.
If any of the health conditions or factors in this table are relevant to you, talk with your doctor before starting Qulipta or Nurtec ODT.
For more information about the precautions of these two drugs, you can refer to our Qulipta interactions article and Nurtec ODT interactions article.
Switching between Qulipta and Nurtec ODT is possible.
If you’d like to know more about switching between Qulipta and Nurtec ODT, talk with your doctor. They can give you additional details and help determine the best course of action for your situation. Even if two drugs treat the same condition or are in the same drug class, your body still can respond differently.
It’s important that you do not stop, start, or switch any of your drug treatments without your doctor’s recommendation.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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.