Rimegepant for migraine: what you need to know
Rimegepant is an oral CGRP antagonist for acute migraine treatment. Costs, how it works, side effects and whether insurance covers it.
What rimegepant is
Rimegepant is an oral medication that blocks calcitonin gene-related peptide, or CGRP. It's taken as a tablet or wafer at the first sign of migraine pain.
It's sold under the brand name Nurtec ODT. The ODT stands for orally disintegrating tablet, which means it dissolves on your tongue without needing water.
How it works
CGRP is a protein your body releases during a migraine. It causes blood vessel expansion and inflammation around the nerves in your brain. Rimegepant blocks CGRP from attaching to its receptor, which stops these processes.
How to take it
You take one rimegepant tablet at the first sign of migraine pain. You can take a second dose 2 hours later if your migraine doesn't improve. Don't take more than two doses in 24 hours.
Side effects
Common side effects are mild and include nausea, throat irritation and upper respiratory tract infection. Serious side effects are rare.
Cost and insurance
Rimegepant typically costs between 600 to 700 dollars per tablet without insurance. Most major insurance plans cover it with prior authorisation. Medicare and Medicaid coverage varies by state and plan.