This medication is used to prevent or treat migraine.
Rimegepant may work by changing the amount of a certain natural substance
in the brain. It helps to relieve headache, pain, and other migraine
symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light/sound). Prompt
treatment helps you return to your normal routine and may decrease your
need for other pain medications.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start taking rimegepant and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
For the treatment of migraine, take this medication by
mouth as directed by your doctor, at the first sign of a migraine. It is
not known if it is safe to take this medication for more than 18 migraines
within 30 days.
For the prevention of migraine, take this medication by
mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once every other day. Use this
medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember,
mark your calendar with a reminder.
This medication comes in a blister pack. When you are
ready to take a dose, first make sure your hands are dry. Peel back the
foil on the blister pack to carefully remove the tablet. Do not try to push
the tablet through the foil because doing so can damage the tablet. Place
the tablet either on or under your tongue and allow it to dissolve. After
the tablet has melted, it can be swallowed with your saliva. You do not
need to take this medication with water or other liquid. Take the tablet
right after opening the blister pack. Do not store this medication outside
the blister pack for future use.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response
to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your
doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including
prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Do not
take more than 1 tablet in a 24-hour period. If you are taking certain
other medications, or if you consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice, do not
take more than 1 tablet in a 48-hour period. If you are not sure when it is
safe to take another dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Tell your doctor if your migraines happen more often or
get worse.
Nausea may occur. If this effect lasts or gets worse,
tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking rimegepant, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- kidney problems
- liver problems
This medication may contain aspartame. If you have
phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to
limit/avoid aspartame (or phenylalanine) in your diet, ask your doctor or
pharmacist about using this medication safely.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your
doctor before breastfeeding.
See also How to Use section.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Other medications can affect the removal of rimegepant
from your body, which may affect how rimegepant works. Examples include
azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole), macrolide
antibiotics (such as clarithromycin), rifamycins (such as rifampin,
rifabutin), St. John's wort, drugs used to treat seizures (such as
carbamazepine, phenytoin), among others.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Certain foods, beverages, or food additives (such as red
wine, cheese, chocolate, monosodium glutamate) as well as lifestyle
patterns such as irregular eating/sleeping habits or stress may bring on a
migraine headache. Avoiding these "triggers" may help lessen migraine
attacks. Consult your doctor for more details.
If you are taking this medication to prevent migraine
and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the
time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the
regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.