Zavzpret Is a Prescription Nasal Spray Used to Treat Migraine Attacks in Adults

Zavzpret (Zavegepant) is the first and only intranasal CGRP receptor antagonist approved for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults. If you've been prescribed Zavzpret — or you're considering asking your doctor about it — here's everything you need to know in 2026.

What Is Zavzpret?

Here are the key facts:

• Brand name: Zavzpret
• Generic name: Zavegepant
• Drug class: Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist (also called a "gepant")
• Manufacturer: Pfizer (originally developed by Biohaven)
• FDA approval: March 2023
• Controlled substance: No — Zavzpret is not a controlled substance and has no abuse potential
• Generic available: No — as of 2026, there is no generic version of Zavzpret

Zavzpret belongs to the gepant class of drugs, which work by blocking the CGRP protein involved in migraine attacks. What makes Zavzpret unique is its delivery — it's a nasal spray, while other gepants like Ubrelvy (Ubrogepant) and Nurtec ODT (Rimegepant) are taken by mouth. For details on how it works, see our guide on Zavzpret's mechanism of action.

What Is Zavzpret Used For?

Zavzpret is FDA-approved for one indication:

• Acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults

This means it's designed to treat a migraine attack that's already started — it's not a preventive medication you take daily. You use it when you feel a migraine coming on or when you're in the middle of one.

Zavzpret is particularly helpful for patients who:

• Can't swallow pills during a migraine (due to nausea or vomiting)
• Haven't responded well to triptans
• Have cardiovascular conditions that make triptans unsafe
• Want faster absorption than an oral medication can provide

How Is Zavzpret Taken?

Zavzpret comes as a 10 mg single-dose nasal spray device. Here's how to use it:

1. Remove the device from its packaging.
2. The device is ready to use — no priming needed.
3. Insert the nozzle into one nostril.
4. Press the plunger to release the spray.
5. Breathe gently — don't sniff hard.

Dosing details:

• Dose: 10 mg (one spray into one nostril)
• Maximum: 1 dose per 24 hours
• Repeat dose: A second dose during the same migraine attack has not been shown to provide additional benefit
• Packaging: Comes in a pack of 8 single-dose devices

The nasal spray format is one of Zavzpret's biggest advantages. During a migraine, many people experience nausea or vomiting that makes swallowing a pill difficult. A nasal spray bypasses the stomach entirely.

Who Should Not Take Zavzpret?

Zavzpret is not right for everyone. You should not use Zavzpret if:

• You are allergic to Zavegepant or any of the inactive ingredients in the formulation
• You have had a hypersensitivity reaction to Zavzpret in the past (such as facial swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing)

Use caution and talk to your doctor if:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding — Zavzpret is not recommended unless clearly needed
• You have severe liver impairment — Zavzpret should be avoided in this case
• You are under 18 — safety and efficacy have not been established in children or adolescents

For more on side effects and safety, read our article on Zavzpret side effects. For information on drug interactions, see our guide on Zavzpret drug interactions.

How Much Does Zavzpret Cost?

Zavzpret is an expensive medication:

• Cash price: $800–$1,100 for a pack of 8 nasal spray devices
• Insurance: Many commercial plans cover Zavzpret, but typically require prior authorization and/or step therapy (you must try a triptan first). Coverage varies by plan.
• Medicare: Part D plans may cover Zavzpret with restrictions.

Ways to save:

• Pfizer Savings Card: Commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0 per prescription with the manufacturer's savings card.
• Pfizer RxPathways: Uninsured or underinsured patients who meet income requirements may qualify for free or reduced-cost Zavzpret through Pfizer's patient assistance program.

For a complete list of savings options, visit our guide on how to save money on Zavzpret.

Final Thoughts

Zavzpret is an important option for adults who experience migraines, especially those who need a non-oral treatment or haven't had success with triptans. It's the only intranasal CGRP antagonist on the market, and its single-spray design makes it easy to use during an attack.

The main challenges are cost and availability. Not every pharmacy stocks it, and the cash price is high. But between manufacturer savings programs, insurance coverage, and tools like Medfinder to help you find it in stock near you, getting access to Zavzpret is manageable.

If you think Zavzpret might be right for your migraines, talk to your doctor or find a prescribing provider near you.