Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is a prescription drug that treats and helps prevent migraine episodes. It works by blocking a certain protein in the brain and nervous system that can cause migraine.

Nurtec ODT’s mechanism of action (how it works) is to block the action of a protein called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). People with chronic migraine may have more CGRP in their blood, and it’s thought this protein may cause both chronic and episodic migraine.

CGRP may cause inflammation and pain in the nervous system of people who have migraine episodes. CGRP also causes blood vessels in the head to widen, which experts think may lead to migraine symptoms.

Nurtec ODT is not a triptan (a common type of migraine medication). It belongs to a class of medications called CGRP antagonists. They work in one of two ways to stop or treat migraine pain:

  • They block the sites in and around the brain where CGRP must attach to work.
  • They bind to CGRP and prevent it from working.

When taken as directed, your body fully absorbs Nurtec ODT in about 1.5 hours.

After taking a dose to treat a migraine episode, most people feel their headache symptoms ease within 1 to 2 hours. Some people continue to experience relief from migraine symptoms for up to 48 hours after taking Nurtec ODT.

When taking Nurtec ODT to help prevent migraine episodes, it may take several weeks before there’s a noticeable improvement in your condition. In a clinical trial, people taking Nurtec ODT for migraine prevention reported a reduction in the number of days per month they had migraine symptoms.

Nurtec ODT’s half-life is 11 hours. This is the time it takes your body to clear half of the drug. Most drugs clear from the body after about five half-lives. So it would take about 55 hours (just over 2 days) for your body to completely clear Nurtec ODT.

Note that your response to this drug may vary based on your medical history and diagnosis. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how Nurtec ODT works or how long it may take to be fully effective for your condition.

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