Comprehensive medication guide to Nurtec ODT including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0 for eligible commercially insured patients using the Pfizer copay card (up to $7,000/year); otherwise $10–$50 copay depending on formulary tier and plan. Most commercial plans cover Nurtec ODT, though prior authorization is commonly required.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$1,075–$1,415 retail for an 8-tablet pack (brand-name only; no generic available). With GoodRx or SingleCare discount coupons, prices can be reduced to approximately $923–$967 per 8-tablet pack at select pharmacies.
Medfinder Findability Score
72/100
Summarize with AI
On this page
Nurtec ODT is the brand name for rimegepant, a prescription migraine medication approved by the FDA in February 2020 for acute treatment and May 2021 for prevention of episodic migraine in adults. It is the first and only oral medication approved by the FDA for both the acute treatment and preventive treatment of migraine.
Nurtec ODT belongs to a drug class called CGRP receptor antagonists, also known as "gepants." It is formulated as an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) — meaning it dissolves on or under the tongue in seconds without needing water, which is particularly convenient during migraine attacks when nausea makes swallowing difficult.
Originally developed by Biohaven Pharmaceuticals, Nurtec ODT is now manufactured and distributed by Pfizer following their 2022 acquisition of Biohaven. It is available only as a brand-name medication — no generic version has been approved as of 2026, and the patent is expected to last until approximately 2039.
We have a 99% success rate finding medications, even during nationwide shortages.
Need this medication?
Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) works by reversibly blocking calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptors. CGRP is a signaling protein released by trigeminal nerves during migraine attacks. When CGRP binds to its receptors, it triggers a cascade of events: blood vessel dilation in the brain's meninges, neurogenic inflammation, and amplified pain signaling through the trigeminal nerve pathway — collectively producing the throbbing pain, light sensitivity, and nausea of a migraine.
By blocking these CGRP receptors, rimegepant prevents CGRP from initiating or sustaining this cascade. For acute treatment, a single dose taken at the onset of an attack blocks the receptors during the active cascade — stopping the migraine mid-stream. For prevention, taking it every other day maintains ongoing baseline receptor blockade, reducing the frequency with which full attacks can develop.
Unlike triptans (which work by causing vasoconstriction via serotonin receptors), rimegepant does not constrict blood vessels. This makes it a safer option for migraine patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or other conditions where triptans are contraindicated. Rimegepant is primarily metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP3A4 and has an elimination half-life of approximately 11 hours.
75 mg — Orally Disintegrating Tablet (ODT)
Single dose form; dissolves on or under tongue without water. Used for both acute treatment (as needed, max once per 24 hours) and prevention (every other day).
Nurtec ODT is not on the FDA's official drug shortage list as of 2026. Pfizer continues to manufacture and distribute it through major wholesale channels. However, not all pharmacies stock it routinely. As a brand-name specialty medication with a retail price over $1,000 per pack and no generic equivalent, smaller and rural pharmacies may not keep it on their shelves regularly.
Large chain pharmacies in suburban or urban areas near neurology practices tend to carry Nurtec ODT most reliably. Independent pharmacies can typically order it from their wholesale distributor within 24–48 hours. Insurance prior authorization requirements add another layer of access complexity — most commercial insurers require PA and step therapy (documented triptan failure) before approving coverage.
If you're having trouble finding Nurtec ODT at your local pharmacy, medfinder can call pharmacies near you to check which ones currently have it in stock and text you the results — saving you significant time and frustration.
Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is not a controlled substance, so it can be prescribed by any licensed healthcare provider with prescribing authority in the United States — no special DEA registration or additional credentials are required. This greatly broadens access compared to older migraine medications with more restrictive prescribing rules.
Neurologists and headache specialists — the most common prescribers; recommended for complex or frequent migraine
Primary care physicians (PCPs) — family medicine doctors and internists regularly prescribe Nurtec
Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) — advanced practice providers at neurology and primary care offices
OB-GYN physicians — commonly prescribe migraine treatments given the hormonal connection to migraine in women
Because Nurtec ODT is not a controlled substance, it can be prescribed via telehealth appointments in all states. Telehealth platforms including Teladoc, MDLive, and migraine-specific services like Cove can evaluate patients and send Nurtec prescriptions electronically to their pharmacy of choice. This is particularly valuable for patients who have difficulty accessing in-person neurology appointments.
No. Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is not a controlled substance and is not scheduled by the DEA. This is a significant clinical and practical advantage over some older migraine medications. Because it is not controlled, Nurtec ODT can be prescribed by any licensed healthcare provider — including physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants — without the additional regulatory requirements that apply to controlled substances.
Nurtec ODT can also be prescribed via telehealth in all states without the prescribing restrictions that apply to Schedule II-V controlled substances. Prescriptions do not require triplicate forms, electronic prescribing mandates for controlled substances, or special DEA registration by the prescribing provider. There are no special refill restrictions beyond standard pharmacy and insurance practices.
Nurtec ODT has a very clean tolerability profile compared to older migraine medications. In clinical trials, the most commonly reported side effects were:
Nausea (2.7% for prevention; ~2% for acute treatment — similar to placebo)
Stomach pain / abdominal pain / indigestion (2.4% for prevention)
Hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis): Occurred in <1% of patients; can happen days after taking the medication. Seek emergency care immediately for facial/throat swelling, difficulty breathing, or rash.
High blood pressure (hypertension): Can worsen or newly develop after taking Nurtec. Contact your provider if blood pressure increases.
Raynaud's phenomenon: Circulation problem causing color changes or numbness in fingers/toes. Contact your provider if this occurs.
Know what you need? Skip the search.
Ubrelvy (ubrogepant)
CGRP receptor antagonist gepant for acute migraine treatment only. Oral tablet in 50 mg and 100 mg doses; can be re-dosed once after 2 hours. Similar efficacy and side effect profile to Nurtec ODT, but not approved for prevention.
Qulipta (atogepant)
CGRP receptor antagonist gepant for prevention of episodic and chronic migraine. Daily oral tablet; approved for prevention only, not acute treatment. May reduce monthly migraine days slightly more than Nurtec in some analyses.
Zavzpret (zavegepant)
CGRP receptor antagonist gepant as a nasal spray for acute migraine treatment. Fast onset; useful for patients with nausea or who prefer non-oral delivery. Approved for acute treatment only.
Sumatriptan (generic Imitrex)
First-line triptan for acute migraine; widely available as an inexpensive generic ($5–$20 for 9 tablets). Effective for many patients but causes vasoconstriction — contraindicated in cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, and stroke history.
Prefer Nurtec ODT? We can find it.
Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors (ketoconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir)
majorSignificantly increase rimegepant blood levels by blocking its primary metabolic pathway. Avoid concomitant use.
Strong/Moderate CYP3A4 Inducers (rifampin, carbamazepine, St. John's Wort)
majorReduce rimegepant effectiveness by accelerating its metabolism. Avoid concomitant use.
P-gp or BCRP Inhibitors (amiodarone, cyclosporine, quinidine)
majorIncrease rimegepant exposure. Avoid taking another dose of Nurtec within 48 hours when taking these agents.
Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors (fluconazole, erythromycin, diltiazem, verapamil)
moderateMay increase rimegepant exposure moderately. Avoid re-dosing Nurtec within 48 hours of the first dose when taking these agents.
Grapefruit / Grapefruit Juice
moderateInhibits intestinal CYP3A4, raising rimegepant blood levels. Avoid grapefruit products while taking Nurtec ODT.
Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) represents a significant advance in migraine treatment — not just because of its efficacy, but because of its versatility. The dual approval for both acute treatment and prevention means patients and providers can achieve both goals with a single medication, simplifying treatment regimens and potentially improving adherence.
Its tolerability profile — minimal side effects, no vasoconstriction, no controlled substance status — makes it accessible to a wider range of migraine patients than many older medications. The main barriers to access in 2026 are cost and insurance complexity, not supply. With the Pfizer copay card, most commercially insured patients can access Nurtec at $0 per month. The Patient Assistance Program covers those without adequate insurance coverage who meet income requirements.
If you're struggling to find Nurtec ODT at a pharmacy near you, medfinder can help. We call pharmacies in your area to check which ones have it in stock and text you the results — so you can spend your energy managing your migraines, not hunting for your medication.
Medfinder Editorial Standards
Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
ChatGPT
Claude
Perplexity
Grok
Gemini