What is Ubrogepant: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Ubrogepant is a prescription medication specifically designed to treat migraine headaches once they start. It belongs to a newer class of migraine medications called CGRP receptor antagonists, which work by blocking specific pain signals in your brain during a migraine attack.

This medication offers hope for people who haven't found relief with traditional migraine treatments. Unlike some older migraine medications, ubrogepant doesn't cause rebound headaches and can be used more frequently when needed.

What is Ubrogepant Used For?

Ubrogepant treats acute migraine attacks in adults, meaning it's taken when you already have a migraine headache. The medication works to stop the migraine pain and associated symptoms like nausea, sensitivity to light, and sensitivity to sound.

Your doctor might prescribe ubrogepant if you experience moderate to severe migraines that interfere with your daily activities. It's particularly helpful for people who can't take triptans (another class of migraine medications) due to heart conditions or other health concerns.

This medication is not used to prevent migraines from happening. Instead, it's what doctors call an "abortive" treatment that you take at the first sign of a migraine to help stop it in its tracks.

How Does Ubrogepant Work?

Ubrogepant blocks CGRP receptors in your brain, which are involved in migraine pain signals. CGRP stands for calcitonin gene-related peptide, a protein that becomes overactive during migraine attacks and contributes to the intense pain and other symptoms.

Think of CGRP as a key that unlocks pain pathways in your brain during a migraine. Ubrogepant acts like a protective cover over the lock, preventing CGRP from triggering those painful signals.

This medication is considered moderately strong for migraine treatment. It's more targeted than older pain relievers but may not be as immediately powerful as some injection medications. However, its specific action often means fewer side effects for many people.

How Should I Take Ubrogepant?

Take ubrogepant exactly as your doctor prescribes, usually as a single 50mg or 100mg tablet when you feel a migraine starting. You can take it with or without food, though some people find it easier on their stomach when taken with a light snack.

Swallow the tablet whole with water. Don't crush, break, or chew it, as this can affect how the medication works in your body.

Here's what you should know about timing and eating before taking ubrogepant:

• Take it as soon as you notice migraine symptoms beginning
• You can eat normally before taking it, though heavy, fatty meals might slightly delay its effects
• If your migraine returns after initial relief, you can take a second dose after at least 2 hours
• Don't take more than 200mg in a 24-hour period

The sooner you take ubrogepant after your migraine starts, the better it tends to work. Many people find it most effective when taken during the first hour of symptoms.

How Long Should I Take Ubrogepant For?

Ubrogepant is taken only when you have a migraine, not as a daily medication. Each time you use it, you're treating one specific migraine episode.

Your doctor will determine how often you can safely use ubrogepant based on your migraine frequency and other health factors. Most people can use it up to 8 times per month, but this varies depending on your individual situation.

If you find yourself needing ubrogepant very frequently, your doctor might recommend adding a preventive migraine medication to reduce how often you get migraines in the first place.

What Are the Side Effects of Ubrogepant?

Most people tolerate ubrogepant well, but like all medications, it can cause side effects. Understanding what to expect can help you feel more confident about your treatment.

The most common side effects are generally mild and temporary:

• Nausea (affects about 4% of people)
• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Stomach discomfort

These common side effects usually fade within a few hours and don't require stopping the medication. However, if they persist or worsen, let your doctor know.

Less common but more serious side effects can occur, though they're rare. These include severe allergic reactions with symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling of your face or throat, or severe skin rash.

Some people experience what's called "medication overuse headache" if they use any migraine medication too frequently. This is why following your doctor's dosing instructions is so important.

Who Should Not Take Ubrogepant?

Ubrogepant isn't right for everyone, and your doctor will carefully consider your health history before prescribing it. People with severe liver problems should avoid this medication because their bodies can't process it properly.

You should not take ubrogepant if you're currently using certain other medications that can interact dangerously with it. These include some seizure medications, certain antibiotics, and some antifungal drugs.

Here are situations where ubrogepant might not be suitable:

• Severe kidney disease
• Severe liver disease
• Taking strong CYP3A4 inhibitor medications
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding (safety not established)
• History of serious allergic reactions to ubrogepant

Your doctor will also consider other factors like your age, other health conditions, and current medications. People over 65 might need lower doses or closer monitoring.

Ubrogepant Brand Name

Ubrogepant is sold under the brand name Ubrelvy. This is the only brand name currently available for this medication in the United States.

Ubrelvy comes as oral tablets in two strengths: 50mg and 100mg. Your doctor will determine which strength is best for your specific migraine pattern and severity.

Currently, there's no generic version of ubrogepant available, which means Ubrelvy tends to be more expensive than older migraine medications. However, many insurance plans cover it, and the manufacturer offers patient assistance programs for those who qualify.

Ubrogepant Alternatives

If ubrogepant doesn't work well for you or causes bothersome side effects, several other migraine treatment options are available. Your doctor can help you find the best alternative based on your specific needs.

Other CGRP receptor antagonists include rimegepant (Nurtec ODT), which dissolves on your tongue, and zavegepant (Zavzpret), which comes as a nasal spray. These work similarly to ubrogepant but might suit you better if you have trouble swallowing pills.

Traditional migraine medications that might work as alternatives include:

• Triptans like sumatriptan or rizatriptan
• NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen
• Combination medications with caffeine
• Anti-nausea medications for migraine-associated nausea

Some people also benefit from non-medication approaches like applying cold or heat, staying in a dark quiet room, or using relaxation techniques alongside their medication.

Is Ubrogepant Better Than Sumatriptan?

Ubrogepant and sumatriptan work differently and each has unique advantages. Sumatriptan, a triptan medication, has been used longer and often works faster for severe migraines, but ubrogepant may be safer for people with heart conditions.

The main advantage of ubrogepant is that it doesn't cause the blood vessel narrowing that triptans do. This makes it safer for people with heart disease, high blood pressure, or stroke risk factors who can't take triptans.

Sumatriptan often provides faster relief, sometimes within 30 minutes, while ubrogepant typically takes 1-2 hours to reach full effectiveness. However, ubrogepant may cause fewer side effects like chest tightness or dizziness that some people experience with triptans.

Your doctor will consider your heart health, migraine severity, and how quickly you need relief when choosing between these medications. Some people find one works better than the other, and it may take some trial to find your best option.