Neurology - Rimegepant for migraine

Rimegepant is in a group of medicines known as gepants.

These reduce the activity of a substance in the body called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP).

CGRP is a chemical message used by nerve cells to communicate with each other. Increased CGRP release plays a role in migraine generation.

Rimegepant blocks the CGRP receptor, reducing the ability of CGRP to activate the nerve fibres. This can:

• It can be used to stop a migraine attack
• It can decrease the number of migraine attacks that occur when taken regularly

 Who can have rimegepant treatments?

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends rimegepant in two situations:

1.    To prevent episodic migraines occurring 4-14 (days per month)

To be eligible for rimegepant:

Adequate trials of at least 3 preventatives mustn't have worked; or side effects have prevented you taking them.

The dose is one 75mg tablet on alternate days. Do not take more than 1 tablet each day.

2.    As a treatment for a migraine attack when it occurs.

To be eligible for rimegepant as an acute treatment, you must have tried at least two different triptan medicines without satisfactory benefit (i.e they haven't worked or have side effects preventing their use).

They are also used for people who are not allowed triptans (e.g due to previous strokes or angina).

The dose is one 75mg tablet as you need it. Do not take more than one tablet per day.

How should I take rimegepant?

The dose is 75mg orodispersible tablet (melts in the mouth) alternate days. Do not take more than one 75mg tablet per day.

What to do if I take more rimegepant than I should?

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist or go to hospital straight away. Take the medicine pack and this leaflet with you.

What should I do if I forget to take rimegepant?

If you take rimegepant for the prevention of migraine and you miss a dose, just take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

Common potential side effects (not everyone experiences these)

Stop using rimegepant and contact your doctor straight away if you have signs of an allergic reaction such as a severe rash or shortness of breath. Allergic reactions with rimegepant are uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people).

Individuals experience different effects and side effects from the drug. These include:

• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Nausea (feeling sick - but migraine itself causes that too)
• Sinus, throat or airway infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Rash
• A dry mouth

What happens if I experience side effects?

If you are concerned about side-effects do speak to your clinician.

Are there any reasons why I can’t take rimegepant?

• You are pregnant or breast feeding
• You have a recent medical issue e.g high blood pressure; or a disease or condition that has damaged your liver or kidneys

What VYDURA contains

The active substance is rimegepant. Each oral lyophilisate contains 75mg rimegepant (as sulfate). The other ingredients are gelatin, mannitol, mint flavour and sucralose.

What Rimegepant looks like and contents of the pack

Rimegepant 75mg oral lyophilisates are white to off-white, circular and debossed with the symbol.

Can I take it with my other mediation?

Rimegepant could interact with certain medications like some antibiotics or antifungal treatments (e.g. treatment for thrush), please consult your healthcare professional when you are starting any new medication or health supplement.

United Kingdom

For any information about this medicine, please contact:

Medical Information, Pfizer Ltd, Walton Oaks, Dorking Road, Tadworth, Surrey, KT20 7NS.
Telephone 01304 616161.