Itching from Nurtec
I have been taking Nurtec as a preventative every other day for over a year. About 7 months ago I started itching on my back and abdomen without a visible rash. The itching is daily and is now sometimes on my legs and arms. I went off for a week after talking to my neurologist, but the itching persisted, so he felt it was unrelated to Nurtec. Has anyone had this reaction? Thanks.
I'm sorry to hear that you're having this experience. I came across this article as I was looking into Nurtec for you and wanted to pass it along in hopes that it would be helpful. I'm sure others will join the conversation to share their firsthand experience as well. https://migraine.com/migraine-treatment/nurtec-rimegepant
In the meantime, did your doctor offer a next step or recommendation on how to address the rash and itching? That has to be incredibly uncomfortable. And do you have an alternative way to manage migraine without the Nurtec? I'm hoping that this gets resolved for you soon.
Best
Alene, Migraine.com Team MemberHi Alene, thanks for the link. I’ll take a look. My doctor took me off Nurtec for a week and I was still itching, so he decided that was not it. We had tried other medications before that and Nurtec had the best result. I was taking Nurtec for at least 6 months before the itching started. He told me he had not seen that in other patients and he had many on Nurtec. He’s a neurologist specializing in headaches.
that's interesting. It does seem that the timing would be off for it to be connected to Nurtec given that you were on it for 6 months without a problem, and went off it for a week and the problem persisted, but I'm not a doctor, so this is far from my area of expertise. Has the doctor offered other suggestions as to what causing the itching or can you follow up with your primary or dermatologist? I'm just trying to think of ways to help to bring you some relief. I feel for you!
Best
Alene, Migraine.com, Team Member
Hi
- I'm so sorry that you're experiencing this. I have been dealing with something very similar for about 11 years. It comes and goes, and was worse when I took Topamax for my migraines. Do you happen to take that by chance? For me it was causing heat and exercise intolerance. Any activity that would normally make me sweat created unbearable itching and stabbing pains on my arms, torso, and legs with no visible rash. I saw all kinds of specialists and never got a firm answer as to what it was. After stopping the Topamax, it went away for the most part. I still get it every now and then, but it's no where near the same in intensity or duration. I believe the doctor just called it "neuropathic itch". I hope that you're able to find a solution! - Cody (Team Member) that’s interesting. Did the problems get worse immediately after starting Topamax? I have this long lag time from taking Nurtec and the itching starting. I’m following up with my GP this week to try to determine the cause of the itching. I’m happy for you that your symptoms are almost gone. We know our bodies best and have to advocate for ourselves. So onward I go. Thanks for sharing. It's been a hard nut to crack unfortunately. While the itching did get worse around the time I started Topamax, there is also a likelihood that I just developed the problem at the same time. Seems to be one of those "which came first, the chicken or the egg" situation. Wishing you the best of luck with your GP appointment later this week. Crossing all my fingers and toes that you find some of the answers you're looking for. - Cody (Team Member)
, thanks for your support. I have seen my dermatologist but he had no idea and just gave me a topical cream. So, I have to keep trying to figure out what’s going on. I may have to try not taking Nurtec for longer than a week. But that’s an awful thought because it is so helpful. 
I'm so sorry you are dealing with this, it sounds frustrating. I do know we can have a reaction from a medication at any time, even if we've been on it for a while or taken said medication before. This happened to me when I took a sulfa medication years ago. Never had a problem, then one day I had a problem!
I wasn't able to find any additional information on Nurtec and itching. I hope you get answers asap! Please keep us posted and I'm sending you pain free wishes, Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator Migraine.com Team Memberthat's definitely a tricky place to be in - you don't want to stop taking it because of the benefits that you get with migraine, but you also want to take a break from it for longer than a week to see if it'll help alleviate the itching. Is there an alternative to Nurtec the your neuro can recommend? And how long did the dermatologist say it would take for you to know if the topical cream works? Please keep us posted, we're hoping you get answers and relief soon!
Best
Alene, Migraine.com Team Member
