Ubrelvy (ubrogepant) is a prescription medicine used in adults for the acute treatment of migraine attacks, both with and without aura. An aura can include sensory disturbances like flashing lights or zigzag lines, speech difficulties, or tingling sensations that occur before or during a migraine. Ubrelvy functions by blocking calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a protein involved in migraine pain. Like all medications, Ubrelvy can cause side effects. It’s essential to be aware of these potential effects to make informed decisions about your treatment.
Common Side Effects of Ubrelvy
The most common side effects of Ubrelvy are generally mild and temporary. In studies, the most frequently reported side effects include:
- Nausea (4%)
- Sleepiness (3%)
These side effects are usually not serious and tend to resolve on their own. However, if these side effects persist, worsen, or become bothersome, it's important to consult with your doctor.
Mild Side Effects of Ubrelvy
Besides nausea and sleepiness, other mild side effects that have been reported with Ubrelvy include:
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Mild allergic reaction
These side effects are usually temporary, but if they become ongoing, bothersome, or severe, it's important to talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not stop using Ubrelvy unless your doctor recommends it.
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Serious Side Effects of Ubrelvy
Although less common, Ubrelvy can cause more serious side effects. It is important to be aware of these and seek medical attention if they occur. These include:
Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions to Ubrelvy can range from mild to severe. Most reactions happened within hours after taking Ubrelvy and were not serious. Some reactions may occur days after taking Ubrelvy. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction may include:
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking Ubrelvy and seek immediate medical attention.
High Blood Pressure: Ubrelvy can cause new or worsening high blood pressure. If you have a history of high blood pressure, discuss this with your doctor before taking Ubrelvy.
Raynaud's Phenomenon: Ubrelvy can worsen or cause Raynaud's phenomenon, a circulation problem that causes reduced blood flow to your hands and feet. This can lead to fingers or toes feeling numb, cool, or painful, or changing color from pale, to blue, to red. If you experience these symptoms, contact your doctor.
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Managing Side Effects
While taking Ubrelvy, there are steps you can take to manage potential side effects:
- Nausea: Try taking Ubrelvy with food. This may help settle your stomach and reduce nausea. Ginger and peppermint are a few natural remedies you can try to relieve your nausea. You can also try over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), glucose (Emetrol), meclizine, or Pepto-Bismol. Before taking any medications with Ubrelvy, check with your doctor or pharmacist. If your nausea becomes severe, talk with your doctor, they may prescribe medications to help treat this side effect.
- Sleepiness: Avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving, until you know how Ubrelvy affects you. Talk with your doctor about any activities you might need to avoid while taking Ubrelvy.
- Dry Mouth: Stay hydrated by drinking water. Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless candies. Limit the amount of caffeine and sugar you consume. Avoid smoking (if you smoke). Breathe through your nose more often than your mouth. If you experience bothersome dry mouth while taking Ubrelvy, talk with your doctor. They may recommend saliva substitutes or suggest other ways to help relieve dry mouth symptoms, or they might switch you to a different migraine treatment that doesn’t have this side effect.
Ubrelvy and Other Medications
Ubrelvy can interact with other medications, potentially leading to unwanted side effects or reduced effectiveness. It's crucial to inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some notable interactions include:
- Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Ubrelvy should not be used with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as clarithromycin, itraconazole, and ketoconazole.
- CYP3A4 Inducers: Medications like rifampin and phenytoin can reduce the effectiveness of Ubrelvy.
- Other Medications: Discuss the use of verapamil, cyclosporine, ciprofloxacin, fluvoxamine, eltrombopag, curcumin, St. John’s wort, quinidine, and carvedilol with your doctor before taking Ubrelvy.
Important Considerations Before Taking Ubrelvy
Before starting Ubrelvy, it's important to discuss your health history with your doctor. Certain conditions may affect whether Ubrelvy is the right choice for you. Be sure to inform your doctor if you have:
- Kidney or liver disease
- Previous allergic reaction to Ubrelvy or any of its ingredients
- High blood pressure
- Raynaud's phenomenon
- Plans to become pregnant or are currently pregnant
- Are breastfeeding
Ubrelvy vs. Other Migraine Medications
Ubrelvy is part of a class of medications called gepants, or calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists. Other medications in this class include Qulipta and Nurtec ODT. Ubrelvy and Imitrex are both oral tablets used to treat migraine, but there are differences in the way they work. Ubrelvy prevents a protein called CGRP thought to play a role in migraine attacks from binding to its receptor and Imitrex is thought to bind to serotonin 5‑HT1B/1D receptors, and inhibit pro-inflammatory substances Although no head-to-head comparison trials compare Ubrelvy to Imitrex, indirect evidence suggests that overall, Ubrelvy is no more effective, and may be inferior to Imitrex at relieving migraine in adults who are able to tolerate triptans. For those adults with moderate-to-severe migraine attacks that cannot tolerate triptans or who have found them ineffective, Ubrelvy is beneficial for treating migraines compared to no treatment. Ubrelvy is associated with fewer side effects than Imitrex, but is more expensive, costing almost twice as much. Some patients may not be able to use NSAIDs or triptans to treat acute migraine headaches due to side effects or health conditions. In these circumstances, newer agents like Ubrelvy (ubrogepant), a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonist, may be an appropriate option.
Ubrelvy's side effects are similar to those of some other migraine medications, including sleepiness, nausea, and fatigue. However, other migraine drugs can have very different side effects, such as heart problems, numbness or tingling, and difficulty sleeping.
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Additional Information
- Dosage: Take Ubrelvy exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The typical dose is a tablet taken at the first sign of a migraine headache. If needed, a second dose may be taken after 2 hours. Do not take more than 200 milligrams in a 24-hour period.
- Storage: Store Ubrelvy at room temperature, between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Keep it in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children.
- Cost and Savings: The cost of Ubrelvy can vary depending on your insurance plan and pharmacy. You may be eligible for a Ubrelvy savings card or coupon. Patients with commercial insurance coverage for UBRELVY who meet eligibility criteria may be able to use a copay assistance program. This copay assistance program is not available to patients receiving prescription reimbursement under any federal, state, or government-funded insurance programs (for example, Medicare [including Part D], Medicare Advantage, Medigap, Medicaid, TRICARE, Department of Defense, or Veterans Affairs programs) or where prohibited by law. Restrictions, including monthly maximums, may apply. This is not health insurance.