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Prescribing InformationIndicationsPatient InformationPatient Site
Nurtec ODT Mechanism of ActionNurtec ODT Mechanism of ActionNurtec ODT works by blocking CGRP receptors1Migraine pathophysiology is multifactorial2-4Migraine pathophysiology is multifactorial2-4It is now understood that the neurologic disorder involves a complex interplay between 3 distinct systems: the nervous system, specifically the trigeminal nerve; the vascular system, including intracranial meningeal arteries; and inflammatory pathways, involving satellite glial cells and mast cells.CGRP is a key mediator in migraine1-3,5-8
CGRP during a migraine attack
Nurtec ODT works to
block CGRP receptors
CGRP is a pain-signaling neuropeptide released by the trigeminal nerve
CGRP levels are elevated during a migraine attack. The activation of CGRP receptors may lead to:
  • Vasodilation
  • Inflammation
  • Pain signaling
CGRP is a pain-signaling neuropeptide released by the trigeminal nerve
CGRP levels are elevated during a migraine attack. The activation of CGRP receptors may lead to:
  • Vasodilation
  • Inflammation
  • Pain signaling
CGRP=calcitonin gene-related peptide; MOA=mechanism of action.
The relationship between pharmacodynamic activity and the mechanism(s) by which rimegepant exerts its clinical effects is unknown.
 Migraine pathophysiology is multifactorial2,6,8

It is now understood that the neurologic disorder involves a complex interplay between 3 distinct systems: the nervous system, specifically the trigeminal nerve; the vascular system, including intracranial meningeal arteries; and inflammatory pathways, involving satellite glial cells and mast cells.

 Additional factors when choosing Nurtec ODT

Nurtec ODT does not cause vasoconstriction2,9,10

Nurtec ODT
does not cause
vasoconstriction2,9,10

The Nurtec ODT mechanism of action has not been associated with medication overuse headache11

The Nurtec ODT
mechanism of action
has not been
associated with
medication overuse
headache11
Have samples of Nurtec ODT delivered to your officeGet samplesLoadingReferences:Nurtec ODT. Package insert. Pfizer Inc.Edvinsson L, Haanes KA, Warfvinge K, Krause DN. CGRP as the target of new migraine therapies — successful translation from bench to clinic. Nat Rev Neurol. 2018;14:338-350.Fabbretti E, D’Arco M, Fabbro A, Simonetti M, Nistri A, Giniatullin R. Delayed upregulation of ATP P2X3 receptors of trigeminal sensory neurons by calcitonin gene-related peptide. J Neurosci. 2006;26(23):6163-6171.Guan LC, Dong X, Green DP. Roles of mast cells and their interactions with the trigeminal nerve in migraine headache. Mol Pain. 2023;19:1-10.Ho TW, Edvinsson L, Goadsby PJ. CGRP and its receptors provide new insights into migraine pathophysiology. Nat Rev Neurol. 2010;6(10):573-582.Ashina M, Bendtsen L, Jensen R, Schifter S, Olesen J. Evidence for increased plasma levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide in migraine outside of attacks. Pain. 2000;86(1-2):133-138.Lassen LH, Haderslev PA, Jacobsen VB, Iversen HK, Sperling B, Olesen J. CGRP may play a causative role in migraine. Cephalalgia. 2002;22(1):54-61.Edvinsson L. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a key molecule released in acute migraine attacks—successful translation of basic science to clinical practice. J Intern Med. 2022;292(4):575-586.True D, Mullin K, Croop R. Safety of rimegepant in adults with migraine and cardiovascular risk factors: analysis of a multicenter, long-term, open-label study. Pain Ther. 2024;13(5):1203-1218.Conway CM, Dubowchik GM, Coric V. Rimegepant and BHV-3500, small molecule CGRP receptor antagonists, exhibit no active vasoconstrictive properties in ex vivo human coronary or cerebral arteries. Abstract presented at: American Headache Society 60th Annual Scientific Meeting; June 28-July 1, 2018; San Francisco, California.Ailani J, Burch RC, Robbins MS; Board of Directors of the American Headache Society. The American Headache Society Consensus Statement: update on integrating new migraine treatments into clinical practice. Headache. 2021;61(7):1021-1039.Download the Nurtec ODT 
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PP-NNT-USA-4379
INDICATIONSNurtec ODT is indicated in adults for the:
  • acute treatment of migraine with or without aura
  • preventive treatment of episodic migraine

Please click here for full Prescribing Information.
Important Safety Information Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to Nurtec ODT or any of its components. Warnings and Precautions Hypersensitivity Reactions: If a serious hypersensitivity reaction occurs, discontinue Nurtec ODT and initiate appropriate therapy. Serious hypersensitivity reactions have included anaphylaxis, dyspnea, and rash and can occur days after administration. Hypertension: Development of hypertension and worsening of pre-existing hypertension have been reported following the use of CGRP antagonists, including Nurtec ODT, in the postmarketing setting.Monitor patients for new-onset hypertension or worsening of pre-existing hypertension and consider whether discontinuation is warranted. Raynaud’s Phenomenon: Development of Raynaud’s phenomenon and recurrence or worsening of pre-existing Raynaud’s phenomenon have been reported in the postmarketing setting following the use of CGRP antagonists, including Nurtec ODT.If signs or symptoms of Raynaud’s phenomenon develop, discontinue Nurtec ODT. Patients should be evaluated by a healthcare provider if symptoms do not resolve. Patients with a history of Raynaud’s phenomenon should be monitored for and informed about the possibility of worsening or recurrence of signs and symptoms. Adverse Reactions: The most common adverse reactions for Nurtec ODT vs placebo were nausea (2.7% vs 0.8%) and abdominal pain/dyspepsia (2.4% vs 0.8%). Drug Interactions: Avoid concomitant administration of Nurtec ODT with strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 or strong or moderate inducers of CYP3A. Avoid another dose of Nurtec ODT within 48 hours when it is administered with moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 or potent inhibitors of P-gp. Use in Specific Populations: Pregnancy: It is not known if Nurtec ODT can harm an unborn baby.
Lactation: The transfer of rimegepant into breast milk is low (<1%). Hepatic impairment: Avoid use of Nurtec ODT in persons with severe hepatic impairment. Renal impairment: Avoid use in patients with end-stage renal disease.IndicationsNurtec ODT is indicated in adults for the:
  • acute treatment of migraine with or without aura
  • preventive treatment of episodic migraine

Please click here for full Prescribing Information.