Ubrelvy Side Effects: What to Expect and When to Call Your Doctor

Ubrelvy (ubrogepant) has one of the most favorable side effect profiles of any acute migraine medication on the market. Unlike triptans, it does not cause vasoconstriction, and unlike opioids, it carries no addiction risk. It is not a controlled substance. However, like all medications, it can cause side effects — and a few require prompt medical attention.

Here is a complete, plain-English guide to Ubrelvy side effects — common, serious, and rare.

Common Side Effects of Ubrelvy

In clinical trials involving 3,624 participants, the most common side effects reported with Ubrelvy were:

Nausea (4%): The most frequently reported side effect. It is mild for most patients and typically resolves on its own. Taking Ubrelvy with food may help, though the medication can also be taken on an empty stomach.

Sleepiness / somnolence (3%): Some patients report feeling drowsy after taking Ubrelvy. This is generally mild. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you notice significant drowsiness after your dose.

Dry mouth: A less common but reported post-marketing side effect. Staying hydrated generally resolves this.

It's important to note that 2.5% of participants in a long-term safety study discontinued Ubrelvy due to adverse reactions, with nausea being the most common reason for stopping the medication.

Serious Side Effects: When to Call Your Doctor

While uncommon, Ubrelvy has several serious side effects that require prompt medical attention:

1. Severe Allergic Reactions (Hypersensitivity)

Serious hypersensitivity reactions have been reported, including anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction), difficulty breathing (dyspnea), and swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat. Most reactions occurred within hours after taking Ubrelvy, but some have occurred days later.

Call 911 or go to an emergency room immediately if you experience swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, or severe rash after taking Ubrelvy.

2. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

New-onset or worsening high blood pressure has been reported in patients taking Ubrelvy. Some of these cases required starting blood pressure medications or hospitalization. Hypertension can occur at any time during treatment, but was most frequently reported within 7 days of starting therapy.

Your doctor should check your blood pressure 2 to 4 weeks after you start Ubrelvy. If you experience persistent or severe headache (beyond your usual migraine), vision changes, chest pain, or shortness of breath, contact your doctor — these can be signs of dangerously high blood pressure.

3. Raynaud's Phenomenon

Raynaud's phenomenon is a circulation problem that causes fingers or toes to feel numb, cold, painful, or to change color — from pale, to blue, to red. New-onset or worsening of pre-existing Raynaud's has been reported with Ubrelvy.

Contact your doctor if you notice these symptoms. Ubrelvy should be discontinued if Raynaud's develops or worsens.

Contraindications: Who Should NOT Take Ubrelvy?

Ubrelvy should not be taken by people who:

Are currently taking strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, including ketoconazole, itraconazole, or clarithromycin (antifungal and antibiotic medications)

Are taking nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid, used for COVID-19 treatment)

Have had a previous serious allergic reaction to ubrogepant or any inactive ingredient in Ubrelvy

Ubrelvy During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

It is not fully known whether Ubrelvy is safe during pregnancy. Animal studies at very high doses showed potential reproductive risks. However, migraine during pregnancy also carries risks. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. AbbVie operates a pregnancy registry for women who take Ubrelvy during pregnancy: call 1-833-277-0206 or visit empresspregnancyregistry.com.

Ubrelvy is excreted in breast milk in small amounts (estimated relative infant dose ~0.15% of maternal dose). The safety of breastfeeding while taking Ubrelvy has not been fully established. Discuss with your doctor.

How to Minimize Side Effects

Take Ubrelvy with food if nausea is a problem

Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice within 24 hours of taking Ubrelvy (it affects drug levels)

Tell your doctor about ALL medications you take — including supplements and herbal products like St. John's wort

Do not exceed 8 migraine treatments per month without discussing with your doctor — safety beyond 8 episodes/month hasn't been established

Do not take more than 200 mg in any 24-hour period (maximum 2 doses)

For a full breakdown of medications that interact with Ubrelvy, see our detailed guide: Ubrelvy Drug Interactions: What to Avoid and What to Tell Your Doctor.

If you're struggling to fill your Ubrelvy prescription, medfinder can help you locate pharmacies near you that have it in stock.