rimegepant at a glance
Medicine class
CGRP receptor antagonist, also called a gepant
Licensed uses
Treating migraine attacks and preventing episodic migraine in adults
Form
An oral lyophilisate that dissolves on or under the tongue without water
Food
Can be taken with or without food
What is rimegepant used for?
Rimegepant is licensed in adults for:
Acute treatment of migraine with or without aura.
Preventive treatment of episodic migraine in people who have at least four migraine attacks per month.
How does rimegepant work?
CGRP is a signalling molecule involved in migraine. Rimegepant selectively blocks the CGRP receptor, which can relieve an active attack or reduce future attacks when used preventively.
How to take rimegepant
Follow the instructions from the prescriber and in the pack leaflet.
Use dry hands and peel back the blister foil; do not push the lyophilisate through it.
Place it on or under the tongue and allow it to dissolve. Water is not required.
It may be taken with or without food.
Use it promptly after opening and do not store it outside the blister.
rimegepant side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylaxis or another hypersensitivity reaction, including severe rash, shortness of breath, facial or tongue swelling, throat tightness or difficulty swallowing. Reactions may be delayed.
rimegepant in pregnancy
Human pregnancy information is limited, so product information advises avoiding rimegepant during pregnancy as a precaution. Discuss treatment with a prescriber if pregnant, planning pregnancy or becoming pregnant while taking it.
rimegepant while breastfeeding
A small study found that less than 1% of the weight-adjusted maternal amount entered breast milk, but information about effects in breastfed infants and milk production remains limited. Discuss the need for treatment, breastfeeding benefits and the infant's circumstances with a prescriber or specialist pharmacist.
rimegepant interactions
Check prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal products with a pharmacist or prescriber because some medicines substantially alter rimegepant exposure.
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, including clarithromycin, itraconazole and ritonavir
Can markedly increase rimegepant exposure; combined use is not recommended.
Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors, including diltiazem, erythromycin and fluconazole
Can increase rimegepant exposure, so use and timing need review.
Strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers, including rifampicin, phenobarbital, efavirenz, modafinil and St John's wort
Can substantially reduce rimegepant exposure and effectiveness; combined use is not recommended.
Common questions about rimegepant
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is rimegepant used for?
It is licensed for treating migraine attacks with or without aura in adults and for preventing episodic migraine in adults with frequent attacks.
Is rimegepant a triptan?
No. Rimegepant is a gepant that blocks the CGRP receptor; triptans act through serotonin receptors.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.