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Zavzpret™ (zavegepant)

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By Editorial Team

2 min read

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: April 2023

Zavzpret™ (zavegepant) is a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) blocker. It is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acute (short-term) migraine with or without aura.As of 2023, Zavzpret is the only CGRP nasal spray. This may be helpful for people who cannot take pills, like when migraine is accompanied by nausea and vomiting.1,2

Migraine is the third most common health condition worldwide, affecting over 1 billion people. It is a major cause of disability. Migraine can occur with or without aura. Aura is a change to the senses. It may occur as:1-3

  • Visual disturbances, like flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots
  • Sensory disturbances, like tingling or numbness
  • Speech or language problems

CGRP blockers are a new kind of drug that can help with migraine. They stop CGRP, a protein that plays a role in migraine, from working. They are the first kind of migraine drug that does not make blood vessels in the head get smaller (constrict). CGRP blockers have been shown to have fewer side effects and may also last longer than other drugs used to treat migraine.4

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What are the ingredients in Zavzpret?

The active ingredient in Zavzpret is zavegepant.1

How does Zavzpret work?

Zavzpret is a CGRP receptor antagonist (also called a CGRP blocker). It works by blocking the CGRP receptors. This reduces migraine pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.1

When CGRP levels are high, it can cause inflammation and pain. When Zavzpret blocks the CGRP receptors, it stops the protein from causing inflammation and pain.1,3

Zavzpret is taken as a nasal (in the nose) spray. It is not a cure for migraine. But it can help to reduce how often a person has migraine attacks and how severe the attacks are.1

What are the possible side effects?

The most common side effects of Zavzpret are:1

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Unusual taste
  • Nasal irritation

Zavzpret can also cause the following serious side effects:1

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Severe allergic reaction

These are not all the possible side effects of Zavzpret. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking Zavzpret. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking Zavzpret.

Other things to know

Zavzpret is not used to prevent migraine. It is used to treat migraine that has already started.1

Zavzpret is given in the nose only. Take Zavzpret as prescribed. Also ask your doctor if you take other nasal spray drugs. Some of these may interact with Zavzpret.1

Each dose of Zavzpret is individually packaged and has only 1 spray. Because of this, do not prime or test Zavzpret prior to taking it.1

Do not take Zavzpret if you are allergic to zavegepant or any other components of Zavzpret. People with severe liver problems should avoid taking this drug. If you think you have severe liver problems, talk to your doctor about whether you can take Zavzpret.1

There is not enough data to know if Zavzpret is harmful during pregnancy or for those who are breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor if you are:1

  • Pregnant
  • Planning to become pregnant
  • Breastfeeding

Before beginning treatment for migraine, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.

For more information, read the full prescribing information of Zavzpret.