A Call for Ubrelvy & Nurtec Side Effects and Experiences

By Holly Harding

1 min read

The monthly injectable CGRP options that are designed to prevent migraine (Aimovig, Ajovy, and Emgality) have been on the scene for a while now. The abortive oral versions of the CGRPs (Ubrelvy and Nurtec) which are designed to be taken at the first sign of an attack were more recently introduced. In this video, Holly describes her experience with those medications.

In the comment section below please let us know what your experience has been with Ubrelvy and Nurtec so that we may learn from one another.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Migraine.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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laura d Member
I tried Ubrelvy but couldn’t get past the nausea. I’ve been taking Nurtec ODT for a few months with decent success and no side effects.
1. Nancy Harris Bonk Moderator
 <inline-mention username="laura d" user-id="4524263"/> Good to hear! Thank you for sharing your success with us! Please keep us posted, Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Advocate/Moderator
8h8t1w Member
I tried Ubrelvy, also for several months, and while it worked well to abort my migraines, they came roaring back with a vengeance within about 24 hours after taking the medication. Despite the fact that my doctor told me rebound shouldn’t be possible with this class of drugs, it felt like a rebound effect to me, and the rebound headaches were often worse than the ones I’d originally taken Ubrelvy to treat. 
1. Nancy Harris Bonk Moderator
 <inline-mention username="8h8t1w" user-id="3809303"/> Ugh, how frustrating! I've tried Ubrelvy with mixed results. Have you had a chance to discuss Nurtec with the doctor? That may be another option to stop an attack. It can be used for both prevention and stopping attacks. Here is more information on this medication; <a href='https://migraine.com/nurtec-rimegepant' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/nurtec-rimegepant</a>. I did want to mention when we have four or more attacks a month, it's time to discuss migraine prevention with the doctor. The thing is episodic migraine (14 or fewer attack days a month) can transform into chronic migraine (15 or more attack days a month) fairly quickly. You can read more about there here; https://migraine.com/search?s=episodic%20to%20chronic. Will you keep me posted? Wishing you a low pain day, Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Advocate/Moderator
amck89 Member
I am newly diagnosed. I've had migraines 1-2 a week on average most of my life but only until a few months ago was told over and over by doctors they weren't migraines. I've been taking nurtec since the formal diagnosis and I've begun calling it the magic medicine. I've had no side effects so far. It's been truly magical being able to get back to normalcy as quickly as I've been able to on the oral rescue medicine.
Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="amck89" user-id="4524498"/> - This is amazing news! Thanks so much for letting us know of your success with Nurtec! I'm picturing this incredible return to normalcy - you must be feeling such joy. What were your doctors saying you had, if not migraine? We are celebrating for you! Glad you took the time to share. Warmly- Holly <a href='http://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team
1. Melissa Arnold Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="amck89" user-id="4524498"/> So glad you found a doctor that was able to help you put the pieces together. Unfortunately, education on migraine can be limited for general doctors and even among specialists! As you know, some people do get sick with migraine, but not everyone does. Heck, some people get all the other symptoms like visual disturbances and nausea, but no head pain! Migraine is so individual. My fingers are crossed for you that you continue to have great success with Nurtec. These new drugs have really been a game-changer for many. By the way, if you feel like sharing a bit more about your migraine journey, you might want to think about posting it to our Stories section so more people can see it. A lot of people come here looking for experiences that are similar to theirs, and also just to learn from others. The Stories page is at <a href='http://www.migraine.com/stories' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>www.migraine.com/stories</a>. No pressure, though! Glad you shared your good news in these comments. -Melissa, <a href='http://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
2. SGK LMT Member
 <inline-mention username="amck89" user-id="4524498"/>, how frustrating!! I’m glad you got a doc who knows what they’re doing!
Rebecca C Moderator
Hi <inline-mention username="amck89" user-id="4524498"/> Your "current neurologist" - is this a second opinion? Always so amazed, and frustrated, when people go to one doctor and they get answers that are just ... so wrong or inadequate. My motto is - "If my gut is telling me something is wrong, there's something wrong. When it comes to my health, I will seek out other professionals until I get better answers." Glad you persevered and found a physician to help you discover your diagnosis of migraine disease. And, so very happy for you that Nurtec works for your level of pain. Only better days from here on out! Warmly ~ Rebecca (community advocate)
1. amck89 Member
 <inline-mention username="Rebecca Cappello" user-id="3677527"/> Actually I'd just been tolerating it and going off what the doctors had been saying. I went to this doc for an unrelated thing and he was looking at my medical history and saw headaches, asked me to explain, and here we are. The other medical issue has been resolved. Now I just see him for the migraines.
2. Rebecca C Moderator
 <inline-mention username="amck89" user-id="4524498"/> What a blessing it was that he picked up on the "headaches" in your medical history. Not many professionals will take the time to do this, at least in my case - but my history is extremely complicated. I am glad you've recvd treatment and its working. Wishing you only better days. Rebecca (comm advc)
JMT8 Member
Ubrelvy has been an absolute game changer for me. My migraine pain goes away within about an hour and usually does not return. I have never had a rescue med that actually makes the migraine go away completely. I’ve tried them all, and previously had the best relief from different triptans, but the headache would always return after a few hours. Ubrelvy is life changing. The first few times I used it it made me pretty tired, but that was the only side effect and it doesn’t happen anymore! Highly recommend!
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="JMT8" user-id="4524782"/> so happy for you and grateful you shared your experience with us. How encouraging. Warmly- Holly <a href='http://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team. 
2. Melissa Arnold Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="JMT8" user-id="4524782"/> This is so great. Everyone is different, but we love celebrating with our community members who find the right fit for them. 😁 Thanks for sharing and keep taking good care of yourself! -Melissa, <a href='http://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
cydyth Member
my neuro prescribed Ubrelvy for me but it was not affordable
1. cydyth Member
 <inline-mention username="JMT8" user-id="4524782"/> you cannot enroll in this program without commercial insurance. I have Medicare. An interesting fact, Medicare, a government entity, is prohibited by law from negotiating with pharmaceutical companies while nongovernmental entities are not.
2. Rebecca C Moderator
 <inline-mention username="cydyth" user-id="3698145"/> I am so sorry you are having such a hard time finding the funds to afford the medication prescribed by your physician. Please take a look at this site. <a href='https://headaches.org/2020/08/06/patient-assistance-programs/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://headaches.org/2020/08/06/patient-assistance-programs/</a> It may have the financial assistance program you are looking for. Rebecca (comm advc)
cydyth Member
this neuro does not do samples. also his PA advised me that it may not work for me and/or it might take 2 pills. since i am on medicare $300+ seemed like a lot for 10 pills, especially when i can have as many as 20 migraines a month. it's a shame that meds cost more on medicare than they do for people with commercial insurance.
1. Cheryl Picerno Moderator
 <inline-mention username="cydyth" user-id="3698145"/> It is very unfortunate that you can get caught in a situation like that with Medicare vs commercial insurance. It's also a shame that your doctor's office doesn't offer sample drugs. Many offices do for just circumstances like this. I continue to work in my job almost solely to provide commercial insurance for my husband as he is on SSD for his migraine disease and the cost of the drugs he is currently using is prohibitive and won't be covered fully like they are now through the different companies savings programs. I wish I knew a way around this for you so you could at least try a new medication to see if it worked. That may mean looking for a doctor that will dispense sample drugs to their patients, but I understand that is another whole problem altogether! Warmly, Cheryl <a href='http://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
JMT8 Member
Oh I didn’t realize that. What a frustrating, unfair restriction. The cost of prescription drugs and the profiting by insurance companies is insane.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="JMT8" user-id="4524782"/> It really is unfair and out of control at this point. Thanks for sharing your support and ideas! Grateful you're with us. Warmly- Holly <a href='http://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team
cydyth Member
An update on my chronic migraine treated by Emagality. About 2-3? weeks ago I ran out of propranolol, which I had been taking both for migraine and essential tremor. I couldn't get to pharmacy to pick up the renewal so I was off of it for awhile. Then I noticed that my headache seemed to be getting better so I stayed off of it. About 1 1/2 weeks ago the chronic migraine stopped although I woke up each morning with a terrible pain in one of my temples, which was cured with 1 cup of black coffee. Today, no morning headache either. As I am overdue for my Emgality shot, I spoke with the neuro's office, and since the migraine has stopped, we are taking it 1 week at a time. No propranolol, and they will call me once a week to see how I am doing before we restart the Emagality!!!! I am beginning to have some energy again and am very slowly starting to do things around the house and dealing with other problems! I have not felt like this years! I'll let you know if this is permanent (possible?) or if the migraines return.
1. cydyth Member
 <inline-mention username="Holly Harding" user-id="3755969"/> Thank you for all the support all of you give me. I appreciate it. 
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="cydyth" user-id="3698145"/> That's what we're here for! We'll be here hoping things ease up for you soon. -Thinking of you- Holly (migraine.com team).
Sshanon33 Member
Hi All, sharing my experience with Nurtec. I take it along with Eletriptan and that seems to be the magic combo during episodes. Each on their own doesn’t cut it and my doc recommended a layering approach. I can also take Ondansetron (Zofran) with them if I have nausea. I have zero side effects with the Nurtec; just wish we could take more than 8 tabs per month. I also have been on Ajovy injections (1 per month) and get about 8-10 Has anyone tried the newly approved every other day regimen of Nurtec? <inline-mention username="8h8t1w" user-id="3809303"/> 
1. Cheryl Picerno Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Sshanon33" user-id="4545439"/> thank you for sharing your Nurtec experience. I'm glad you have found a combination of therapies that are helping you. My husband has been using Nurtec for a while now and combined with Emgality it has really made a difference. He suffers from chronic migraine. Are you suffering from chronic migraine as well? I have not come across anyone that is currently using Nurtec as a preventative yet, but I'm sure those people are out there! It would be interesting to see how insurances or payment assistance programs will cover Nurtec as a preventative since that therapy is relatively new. I hope you have an awesome day! Warmly, Cheryl <a href='http://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Sshanon33" user-id="4545439"/> Hi there- thanks so much for sharing how this is working for you and the way you are using it in combination with other strategies. I wanted to mention, regarding the 8 tab limitation- that sometimes you can ask your doctor to write a letter to the insurance company to override that limitation. Might be worth asking if s/he'd be willing to try that for you. I did just read about another community member talking about increase use of Nurtec and that it eventually ceased efficacy. You can read about it here: <a href='https://migraine.com/clinical/cgrp-similar-different#comment-440792' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/clinical/cgrp-similar-different#comment-440792</a> You might ask them about it. Thanks so much for being a part of our community. Warmly- Holly <a href='http://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.
SGK LMT Member
Thanks for inviting me to this discussion. I was on Amovig for about 2 years as a preventative, before that, topamax, before that Gabapentin. The Amovig may have decreased the number and severity of my migraines, but never eliminated them. I mentioned in another article that I can’t handle the side effects of the triptan family of drugs; I had a pain specialist at the VA who wouldn’t take me off them but just kept trying different types of the triptans. I had to choose between the pain of the migraine and the side effects of the triptan, and I actually chose the migraine about half the time. 🙄😞 I now have a neurologist who is spectacular. She pushed the Amovig script through the VA system to get it to me, and then did the same with Botox, even though my VA doctors told me I wasn’t eligible because I didn’t have enough migraines per month. She gave me samples of Ubrelvy, Nurtec, and Reyvow (not a gepant but also made for migraines) to try so I could determine which worked the best for me. The Nurtec and the Reyvow did nothing, but the Ubrelvy actually STOPPED the migraines. I’m still a bit shocked at how well it works, even with the “sleepy” (read: exhaustion) side effect, but I get exhausted with the migraine also, so I’m not choosing between evils there. The cost of the meds is an issue, though. Because I was already on the Amovig, an anti-cgrp medicine, the VA wouldn’t cover a script for Ubrelvy. And with my health care being federally funded, just like Medicare, I don’t qualify for the manufacturer’s discount. I paid $987.xx for my first box of 10 Ubrelvy pills in December. In January, a family member gave me the money to get a refill, and it cost $1045.xx. Prices had gone up for the new year. I did some research and learned that I could cut my out of pocket med cost if I could get my neurologist to take me off the Amovig and prescribe the Ubrelvy for the VA to cover, and THEN prescribe me the Amovig, which was only $500 from the pharmacy. Stupid, isn’t it?? She agreed to take me off the Amovig, since it hadn’t completely stopped my migraines in 2 years, and sent the VA a new prescription for Ubrelvy, noting that she was stopping treatment with Amovig. That was 4 months ago, and I’m still fighting with the VA to get the Ubrelvy covered. I have enough of them for now, and my family has said they’ll help if I need another refill before I get the VA stuff sorted out. I know this is a long read, but it’s been a long fight, too, and a spider’s web of red tape, and while I’m frustrated with the bureaucracy, the Ubrelvy medicine has been a life-saver! (Along with the Botox! I had my second round of shots in April, and have noticed a remarkable decrease in my migraine severity!) Don’t give up on yourself, and fight with your doc if they don’t want to listen to you, and fight with your insurance if they’re being impossible! The science is getting better, people!!! ❤️❤️❤️
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="SGK LMT" user-id="3882484"/> This is an INCREDIBLY helpful post. Thank you so much for taking the time to help inform the community about Ubrevly, specifically as we still are gathering information on these newer drugs. May I ask what dosage you are taking? My doctor gave me samples of 60mg recently and said I could try cutting them in half and taking one 30mg per day (this, in response to my concern about the drug not being covered by Medicare). Thanks again for giving us your well-earned wisdom on this topic! Warmly- Holly <a href='http://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.
christinekotlark Member
I have been using Ubrelvy for about 6 weeks. Ive taken it about 8 times and it works incredibly! I have suffered years with debilitating menstrual migraines and couldn't believe I finally found something that worked. Unfortunately today was the first time I had to take a second dose after 2 hours and I broke out in hives. I had no other symptoms but it scared the crap out of me. So I will never take the second dose again and honestly now Im scared to take it but the pain will probably win. Im hoping it was just too high for me personally, they were 100mg. I value them so much because my insurance wouldn't cover it. We are retired military and my Neurologist made it happen along with botox that I just got. Im so sorry for this ver long post!
1. Cheryl Picerno Moderator
 <inline-mention username="christinekotlark" user-id="8849146"/>, thank you for sharing that with us. Having a reaction such as hives is scary. I'm glad it didn't progress into anything worse. I would advise you to cover this reaction with your doctor. They can document that in your record. There are also things that can interact with Ubrelvy. Here is a link with some basics about Ubrelvy. https://www.drugs.com/ubrelvy.html My husband took Ubrelvy for a bit, but he found that Nurtec was more effective for him. There are many abortive options out there today, but insurances are not always willing to cover them without jumping through hoops! The CGRP medications are also quite expensive, and if you have a government backed insurance you usually can't take advantage of co-pay assistance programs. I work so that we have commercial insurance which allows us to use the manufacturer assistance programs to pay for my husbands migraine medications. I'm glad your doctor has worked out a way for you to do the combination therapy of Botox and Ubrelvy. In my experience the most effective management for migraine is done with combination therapies. I hope you continue to have a good outcome with your therapy regimen, and again, take time to cover what you are experiencing and how it impacts your life with your doctor. Warmly, Cheryl <a href='http://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
Alene L. Brennan, RYT Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="christinekotlark" user-id="8849146"/> thank you for posting this. No need to apologize for a long post, we always love hearing from each member. Your story and experience is so valuable to hear. I'm sorry to hear that you had such a strong reaction to the second dose of Ubrevly. That had to be so scary. It's understandable that you would feel scarred and scared to take two doses again. I imagine that I would feel similar. Are you able to connect with your doctor about it? It sounds like you have a really supportive neurologist. I wonder if he might have some suggestions that could prevent that reaction from happening again. Please keep us posted on how you're doing, if you feel comfortable doing so. We're here to support you. Best Alene, moderator
christinekotlark Member
Thank you for the response! To be honest I would take hives any day over the migraine, I was just scared I was having some anaphylaxis reaction. They went away completely after a few hours without any medication. I have not heard back from my Dr. Yet but will definitely update here with their response. 
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="christinekotlark" user-id="8849146"/> good for you for checking in with your doctor. If you wouldn’t mind circling back to let us hear what they have to say, we’d be both interested. We wrote this article because these treatments are still relatively new so it’s most helpful for those considering or who are already on the medication to understand what the range of reactions might entail. I’m sure that was very scary to have that reaction. My sister broke out in hives after she had a vaccine… Not Covid. Terrifying, her throat began closing up quite quickly, and she had to have emergency assistance. These types of reactions should be taken very seriously and I’m so glad you did. I hope, given the efficacy of this treatment for you, that this reaction doesn’t mean you’ll have to stop it. It sounds like you generally do fine with the med at the lower dose. Again would be most interested to hear what your doctor advises. Thanks so much for being with us. Warmly - Holly - <a href='http://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team 
2. Alene L. Brennan, RYT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="christinekotlark" user-id="8849146"/> that makes sense, it's more a concern of the unknown. You know you can deal with hives, you just needed the assurance that hives was all that it was going to be. I'm glad to hear that it didn't get worse. I'm hoping that you hear back from your doctor soon and will definitely look out for your update. Best Alene, moderator
christinekotlark Member
My Neurologist responded and said that Ubrelvy does can cause hives but thatcits not dangerous. He said to just take one and if there is a day that I need the second dose after two hours to take benadryl if that happens. Thank for all the positive feedback 😊.
1. christinekotlark Member
 <inline-mention username="Alene L. Brennan, RYT" user-id="3663804"/> It took some of the concern away. I'm one of those extremely paranoid people about medicine, it took me 2 decades to try something besides aspirin or tylenol for headaches. I took one this morning with no issues whatsoever. I don't think I would ever take a second dose again and just be greatful its not as severe, avoiding the need for benadryl. 
2. Alene L. Brennan, RYT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="christinekotlark" user-id="8849146"/> I'm glad to hear that you found some peace of mind with it all now. I hope that you're feeling better today. Best Alene, moderator
jenn12 Member
Hi - I was wondering if anyone taking Ubrelvy has experienced a burning feeling in the stomach (some people call it gastritis, dyspepsia/ indigestion). To me it feels like my stomach is on fire and almost nothing helps. Yogurt helps temporarily. GI and Neuro docs have no idea as they say "it is not a listed side effect" and "that is traditional heartburn or gastritis" . (Ubrelvy is only med that takes away migraine pain and I do take it almost every other day; meds and herbal treatments have not helped with "heartburn/gastritis" and no visible signs of problems ie ulcers) Thank you! ~Jenn
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="jenn12" user-id="3768964"/> hi Jenn. While people do report GI issues with some of the CGRPs, this is a really great and more specific question you are asking and one that may justify its own forum topic, actually. I think you may get more eyes on it that way as well. Here is a link to help you do so, if you are interested: <a href='https://migraine.com/forums' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/forums</a>. Let me know if you have any questions about the process. So glad you are with us. Warmly - Holly - <a href='http://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
jenn12 Member
Thank you, <inline-mention username="Holly Harding" user-id="3755969"/> !
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="jenn12" user-id="3768964"/> of course! I hope you get some helpful responses and feedback! All the best to you, Jenn. Warmly - Holly - <a href='http://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team

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