What Is Nurtec ODT? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Nurtec ODT is a prescription migraine medication that stands out from the crowd for one simple reason: it's the only FDA-approved drug that can both stop a migraine attack and prevent future ones. If you've recently been prescribed Nurtec ODT or are considering it, here's everything you need to know.

What Is Nurtec ODT?

Nurtec ODT is the brand name for rimegepant, a medication in a drug class called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists — also called "gepants." It was first approved by the FDA in February 2020 for acute migraine treatment and received additional approval in May 2021 for episodic migraine prevention, making it the first dual-indication migraine oral medication.

"ODT" stands for Orally Disintegrating Tablet — it dissolves on or under your tongue in seconds without needing water. This is particularly helpful during a migraine when nausea makes swallowing difficult.

Nurtec ODT was originally developed by Biohaven Pharmaceuticals and is now manufactured and distributed by Pfizer.

What Is Nurtec ODT Used For?

Nurtec ODT has two FDA-approved uses, both in adults:

Acute treatment of migraine: Taken when a migraine attack starts, to stop the headache and associated symptoms (with or without aura). In clinical trials, 59.3% of patients had pain relief within 2 hours and 21.2% were completely pain-free at 2 hours. Remarkably, 86% of patients did not need rescue medication within 24 hours.

Preventive treatment of episodic migraine: Taken every other day on a regular schedule to reduce the frequency of future migraine attacks. "Episodic" means 1–14 headache days per month. Nurtec is not currently approved for chronic migraine prevention (15+ headache days/month).

How Do You Take Nurtec ODT?

Nurtec comes as a single 75 mg orally disintegrating tablet. Here's how to take it:

Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you're ready to use it — don't remove it in advance

Peel back the foil (don't push through) to remove the tablet

Place the tablet on your tongue or under your tongue — it dissolves in seconds

No water needed, though you can drink water after it dissolves

Can be taken with or without food

Nurtec ODT Dosage Guidelines

For acute treatment: Take 75 mg as needed at the first sign of a migraine. Maximum 1 tablet per 24-hour period. The safety of more than 18 doses in 30 days has not been established.

For migraine prevention: Take 75 mg every other day on a regular schedule.

Nurtec comes in only one strength (75 mg) — there's no dosage adjustment. If you're using it for both acute treatment and prevention, talk to your doctor about how to structure your dosing, as the every-other-day preventive schedule affects when acute doses can be taken.

Key Facts About Nurtec ODT

Drug class: CGRP receptor antagonist (gepant)

Controlled substance? No — not DEA scheduled. Can be prescribed by any licensed provider, including via telehealth.

Generic available? No — brand name only. Patent expected until approximately 2039.

Cash price: $1,075–$1,415 per 8-tablet pack

With copay card: As low as $0/month for eligible commercially insured patients

Storage: Room temperature (68–77°F / 20–25°C); keep in original blister pack until use

Food interactions: Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice — raises rimegepant blood levels

Who Should Not Take Nurtec ODT?

Nurtec ODT is contraindicated (should not be taken) in patients with:

Known allergy to rimegepant or any inactive ingredient in Nurtec ODT

Use with caution (discuss with your doctor) if you take strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, P-gp inhibitors, or certain other medications. See our drug interactions guide for specifics.

How Does It Compare to Other Migraine Medications?

Nurtec's biggest differentiator is its dual approval for acute treatment and prevention. No other single oral medication currently shares this designation. Other gepants (Ubrelvy, Qulipta, Zavzpret) are approved for one use or the other, but not both. Compared to triptans, Nurtec lacks vasoconstriction effects, making it safer for patients with cardiovascular disease. For a full comparison, see our guide to Nurtec ODT alternatives.