Nurtec – Novel New Migraine Treatment
Nurtec (rimagepant) is the newest migraine abortive treatment approved by the FDA. It has been almost 30 years since we have had anything new to stop a migraine attack. Imitrex (sumatriptan) was the first triptan FDA approved for the treatment of acute migraines in 1992. Since that time, several other similar triptans were approved but they all had the same mechanism to stop migraines. In early 2020, the FDA approved an entirely new class of migraine attack medications called “gepants.” Gepants work by an entirely different way than the triptans. Nurtec is the newest gepant and has some unique features to stop an acute migraine attack.
Nurtec-ODT is a wafer that dissolves within seconds in saliva. No fluid is needed to take this medication. Just place it under your tongue. It starts absorbing almost immediately if left under the tongue for a short time. Then just swallow. It continues to absorb in your stomach. Nurtec blocks the trigger that starts a full blown migraine attack. Onset of action is very rapid, as short as 15 minutes. It is also unique in that only one dose is needed. One wafer tablet and done for the day. Nurtec has a long duration of migraine blocking action – 11 hours – longer than any other migraine stopping medication. Studies show that its migraine blocking effect can last up to 2 days. Nurtec is the only migraine stopping medication that has this long, beneficial effect to stop a migraine attack.
Patients want a highly effective, quick acting migraine stopping medication wtih minimal side effects. Nurtec accomplishes all these. Some patients who take Nurtec early in their migraine attack get consistent migraine relief and pain freedom within 5-10 minutes. Many patients will have their migraines stop within 1-2 hours. They can continue with what they are doing and their activities are not interupted by a disabling migraine attack. Nurtec can be taken at any time but earlier in the migraine attack is best.
There are 40 million migraine sufferers in the United States. Unfortunately 4 out of 10 are getting no treatment from this very disabling migraine disease. If you suffer from migraines, do not suffer. Ask your doctor or see a headache specialist about this unique migraine stopping medication.