Like any drug, rimegepant (Nurtec ODT), which is prescribed to treat or prevent migraines, can cause side effects. These vary from person to person, and most are minor. Many people don’t have side effects at all. But in rare cases, they can be serious.
Here’s a look at some of the possible side effects of rimegepant and ways to manage them if they happen to you.
How to Manage Common Mild Side Effects of Rimegepant (Nurtec ODT)
Some of the most common side effects of rimegepant are:
Nausea. This is the most commonly reported side effect of the medication. In clinical studies, 2.7% of people who took rimegepant reported nausea. When you have nausea, you might feel queasy, seasick, or like you’re going to vomit.
Upset stomach. Some 2.4% of people in the clinical studies reported this side effect. When your stomach is upset, you might feel cramped or queasy. You may have stomach pain or tenderness. You could throw up, have diarrhea, or go to the bathroom more than usual.
If you feel nauseated or have stomach issues, tell your doctor about it.
To control these symptoms, you might:
- Eat bland food like bread or crackers.
- Drink water or another clear fluid.
- Suck on ice chips or popsicles.
- Eat smaller meals, and eat slowly.
- Avoid working out or being very active right after you eat.
- If you vomit, avoid solid foods until your stomach settles.
- Avoid greasy or fatty foods.
- Take a prescription or over-the-counter nausea or diarrhea medication. Check with your doctor if it’s safe for you.
To help prevent these side effects:
- Take the medication exactly as your doctor instructs.
- Avoid taking it on an empty stomach.
Also, avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice when you take rimegepant, since they can increase the amount of the drug in your bloodstream.
Usually, side effects go away once your body gets used to the medicine. But if they are bothersome or don’t go away after a few days, talk to your doctor.
Less Common Mild Side Effects of Rimegepant (Nurtec ODT) and How to Manage Them
You can also get other side effects while taking rimegepant, such as:
Acid reflux or heartburn. This happens when stomach acid flows up your throat. It can cause:
- A burning feeling in your chest and throat
- Trouble swallowing
- Coughing
- Wheezing, especially when you lie down
Ask your doctor whether you should take over-the-counter medications to ease acid reflux symptoms.
Indigestion. This can cause belly pain and feelings of nausea or bloating. You might feel full as soon as you start eating. Mild indigestion is common and usually goes away on its own. But if it’s serious or lasts for over 2 weeks, tell your doctor about it.
To avoid indigestion, it’s best to:
- Eat smaller meals.
- Avoid food 2-3 hours before bedtime.
- Avoid foods that can trigger heartburn like fried foods, spicy foods, and peppermint.
- Avoid or cut down on tobacco and alcoholic beverages.
What to Do If You Have Serious Side Effects of Rimegepant (Nurtec ODT)
Some people have an allergic reaction when they take this migraine medication. You could be allergic to the drug itself or to an ingredient used to make it.
Symptoms can range from mild to serious and include:
- Rashes
- Hives
- Itching
- Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
- Fever
- Wheezing
- Tightness in the chest or throat
- Trouble breathing
- Trouble swallowing
- A hoarse voice
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, tell your doctor right away. If you have a milder reaction, with symptoms like skin rash, hives, or itching, they might tell you to take over-the-counter antihistamines to relieve the symptoms.
If you have swelling in your face or throat or a hard time swallowing or breathing, call 911 or go to the emergency room.
In some cases, you might not have a reaction the first time you take the drug, but you might have one later on.
When you have an allergic reaction, your immune system mistakes the drug or ingredient for something harmful. It then produces antibodies to fight the substance. But sometimes this takes a while, and the reaction doesn’t show up until the next time you take the medication.
What Else Should You Know About Side Effects?
Before you take rimegepant, let your doctor know about any other medications, vitamins, or supplements you take. Always take your medicine exactly as your doctor tells you to. And read the full printed guide that comes with the medication. This can help you know what to expect.
Keep a list of any side effects you notice. If any interfere with your daily life or don’t go away, tell your doctor.
You can report serious side effects directly to the FDA at 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). You can also alert the drug manufacturer about the side effects.
