Ubrelvy (ubrogepant) and Imitrex(sumatriptan) are brand-name drugs. They’re both prescribed for treating migraine with or without aura. Ubrelvy and Imitrex come as oral tablets, while Imitrex comes in other forms as well.
This article explains the main similarities and differences between Ubrelvy and Imitrex. If you’re considering taking one of these drugs, discussing this information with your doctor can help you decide if one of these treatments may be right for you.
Note: For more comprehensive information about these two drugs, you can refer to our Ubrelvy and Imitrex articles.
Key differences between Ubrelvy and Imitrex
These are a few of the main differences between Ubrelvy and Imitrex:
- Forms: Ubrelvy comes as an oral tablet. Imitrex comes as an oral tablet, subcutaneous injection, and nasal spray.
- Conditions treated: Ubrelvy and all forms of Imitrex are prescribed to treat migraine that occurs with or without aura. Imitrex injection is also used to treat cluster headaches. (See the “Uses of Ubrelvy vs. Imitrex” section below.)
Both Ubrelvy and Imitrex treat migraine. These drugs can cause some of the same side effects, as well as some different ones. Some of the side effects reported in clinical trials of these drugs are mentioned below.
For more details about side effects of the two drugs, see our side effect articles about Ubrelvy and Imitrex. You can also refer to the Ubrelvy prescribing information and prescription information for Imitrex injection, oral tablet, and nasal spray.
Mild side effects
The following table lists some of the more commonly reported mild side effects of Ubrelvy and Imitrex. The table may also include mild side effects that are less common but that you might have concerns about in some cases.
| Mild side effects | Ubrelvy | Imitrex |
| nausea | ✓ | ✓ |
| sleepiness | ✓ | ✓ |
| dry mouth | ✓ | |
| dizziness | ✓ | |
| tightness, pain, or heaviness in your jaw, throat, neck, or chest | ✓ | |
| feeling unusually cold or warm | ✓ | |
| injection site reactions, such as discoloration or pain around the injection area | ✓ (injection only) | |
| tingling, pain, numbness, or burning in your nose or throat | ✓ (nasal spray only) | |
| unpleasant taste in your mouth | ✓ (nasal spray only) | |
| mild allergic reaction* | ✓ | ✓ |
These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. If the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* An allergic reaction is possible after using Ubrelvy and Imitrex. This side effect wasn’t reported in Ubrelvy’s clinical trials. It’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in clinical trials of Imitrex injection, oral tablet, or nasal spray.
Serious side effects
The following table lists the reported serious side effects of Ubrelvy and Imitrex.
| Serious side effects | Ubrelvy | Imitrex |
| irregular heartbeat | ✓ | |
| cardiovascular problems, such as stroke or heart attack | ✓ | |
| seizures | ✓ | |
| severely high blood pressure | ✓ | |
| reduced blood flow to your intestines, ears, nose, fingers, or toes | ✓ | |
| rebound headache | ✓ | |
| severe allergic reaction* | ✓ | ✓ |
If you have serious side effects while using Ubrelvy or Imitrex, call your doctor immediately. If the side effects feel life threatening or you believe you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
* An allergic reaction is possible after using Ubrelvy and Imitrex. This side effect wasn’t reported in Ubrelvy’s clinical trials. It’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in clinical trials of Imitrex injection, oral tablet, or nasal spray.
Below are answers to some common questions about Ubrelvy and Imitrex.
How do Ubrelvy and Imitrex compare with other similar drugs, such as Nurtec ODT?
Ubrelvy, Imitrex, and Nurtec ODT are prescription drugs. Some of their uses are the same, but they also have some different ones.
Below are a few ways Ubrelvy and Imitrex compare with Nurtec ODT and other similar drugs.
| Ubrelvy | Imitrex | Nurtec ODT | Qulipta | Aimovig | |
| Active ingredient | ubrogepant | sumatriptan | rimegepant | atogepant | erenumab-aooe* |
| Drug class | calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonist | serotonin receptor agonist (commonly known as a triptan) | CGRP antagonist | CGRP antagonist | CGRP antagonist |
| How it’s taken | by mouth | by mouth, under the skin, or into the nose | by mouth† | by mouth | under the skin |
| Uses | treat migraine | treat migraine and cluster headaches | treat or help prevent migraine | help prevent migraine | help prevent migraine |
* Aimovig is a
† Nurtec ODT is an orally disintegrating tablet that dissolves when placed in your mouth, on or under your tongue.
To learn more about how Ubrelvy and Imitrex compare with similar drugs, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is it safe to take Ubrelvy or Imitrex with other medications for migraine, including sumatriptan or rizatriptan?
If your doctor recommends it, you may take Ulbrevy or Imitrex with other migraine medications. This depends on several factors, such as the frequency of your migraine episodes and other treatments you’ve tried.
However, your doctor isn’t likely to prescribe Imitrex with other serotonin receptor agonists (commonly known as triptans). These include rizatriptan (Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT, Rizafilm) and other forms of sumatriptan (the active drug in Imitrex), such as Tosymra. Taking Imitrex and another triptan within a 24-hour period can raise your risk of side effects from these medications. For more details about the side effects of Imitrex, see this article.
In some cases, doctors may prescribe more than one form of Imitrex. For instance, if your migraine returns after an initial Imitrex injection, your doctor may also prescribe Imitrex tablets. When taking Imitrex tablets following an Imitrex injection, you should not exceed 100 milligrams within 24 hours.
If Ubrelvy or Imitrex isn’t working to treat your migraine episodes, talk with your doctor. They can tell you whether it’s safe to add another migraine treatment option. Or, your doctor can recommend whether switching from Ubrelvy or Imitrex to a different migraine medication may be better for you.
Here’s information about the generic status of Ubrelvy and Imitrex, as well as details on their active ingredients.
| Ubrelvy | Imitrex | |
| Generic available | no | yes |
| Active ingredients | ubrogepant | sumatriptan |
| Drug class | calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonist | serotonin receptor agonist (commonly known as a triptan) |
Ubrelvy and Imitrex have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the following.
- Both Ubrelvy and Imitrex are FDA-approved to treat:
- Imitrex injection is also FDA-approved to treat:
- cluster headaches in adults
Note: For more information about the drugs’ uses, see our articles about Ubrelvy and Imitrex.
Here’s a quick look at the dosage and administration of Ubrelvy and Imitrex for the conditions both drugs treat. Strengths and doses are listed in milligrams (mg).
Dosage for migraine
Below are the dosages of Ubrelvy and Imitrex for treating migraine.
| Ubrelvy for migraine | Imitrex for migraine | |
| Forms | oral tablet | • oral tablet • subcutaneous injection • nasal spray |
| Strengths | 50 mg and 100 mg | • oral tablet: 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg • cartridge for injection: 4 mg and 6 mg • nasal spray: 5 mg and 20 mg |
| Dose | 50 mg or 100 mg | • oral tablet: 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg • cartridge for injection: 4 mg or 6 mg • nasal spray: 5 mg (one spray in one nostril), 10 mg (one 5-mg spray in each nostril), or 20 mg (one spray in one nostril) |
| Frequency | • once at the start of migraine symptoms • if symptoms come back or don’t ease, a second dose can be taken 2 hours after the first | • once at the start of migraine symptoms • if symptoms come back or don’t ease, a second dose can be taken 2 hours after the first |
| Given by | self | self (see below) |
Your doctor will show you or a caregiver how to give Imitrex injections at home. They’ll recommend the dosage of Ubrelvy or Imitrex that’s right for you.
Note: For more information about dosage, see our dosage articles about Ubrelvy and Imitrex.
Details about the effectiveness of Ubrelvy and Imitrex are provided below.
Prescribing information. For information about how effective these drugs were in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Ubrelvy and Imitrex injection, oral tablet, and nasal spray.Keep in mind that trial results may not apply to your individual health situation.
Treatment guidelines. Another way to see whether a drug is considered effective is to look at treatment guidelines.
When an organization includes certain drugs in treatment guidelines, this means that research has shown the drug to be safe and effective. Ubrelvy and Imitrex are recommended as treatment options for people with migraine in guidelines from the
How much Ubrelvy or Imitrex costs depends on the treatment plan your doctor prescribes, your insurance plan, and your pharmacy. You can visit Optum Perks* for price estimates of Ubrelvy and Imitrex.
Both Ubrelvy and Imitrex are brand-name drugs. Ubrelvy does not come in a generic form, but Imitrex oral tablet, injection, and nasal spray do come in generic forms. Brand-name medications are often more expensive than generics. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn about the generic forms of Imitrex.
* Optum Perks is a sister site of Medical News Today.
Ubrelvy and Imitrex may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. The two drugs share some of the same precautions, but they also have different ones. Some of these precautions are mentioned below.
In addition, Ubrelvy and Imitrex may not be right for you if you take certain other medications. Before taking either drug, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any other medications, vitamins, or supplements you take. Sharing this information can help prevent serious drug interactions.
If any of the following medical conditions or other health factors are relevant to you, talk with your doctor before using Ubrelvy or Imitrex.
| Precaution | Ubrelvy | Imitrex |
| if you’ve had an allergic reaction to either drug or any of its ingredients | ✓ | ✓ |
| if you’re pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant | ✓ | ✓ |
| if you’re breastfeeding or thinking about breastfeeding | ✓ | ✓ |
| if you have epilepsy or factors that increase your risk of seizures, such as head injury | ✓ | |
| if you have cardiovascular problems or factors that increase your risk, such as diabetes | ✓ | |
| if you have an irregular heartbeat | ✓ | |
| if you have high blood pressure that isn’t well managed | ✓ | |
| if you have hemiplegic or basilar migraine | ✓ | |
| if you have a condition that causes reduced blood flow to your intestines, fingers, or toes | ✓ | |
| severe liver disease | ✓ | ✓ |
| severe kidney disease | ✓ |
Note: For more comprehensive information about these two drugs, you can refer to our Ubrelvy and Imitrex articles.
Switching between Ubrelvy and Imitrex might be possible.
If you’d like to know more about switching between Ubrelvy and Imitrex, talk with your doctor. They can give you additional details and help determine the best course of action for your personal situation. Even if two drugs treat the same condition or are in the same drug class, your body can still respond differently.
It’s important that you do not stop, start, or switch any of your drug treatments without your doctor’s recommendation.
Some key points to remember when comparing Ubrelvy and Imitrex include:
- Both Ubrelvy and Imitrex come as oral tablets. However, Imitrex also comes in other forms, including a subcutaneous injection and nasal spray.
- Ubrelvy and Imitrex are used for the treatment of migraine episodes. The injectable form of Imitrex is also used for treating cluster headaches, but Ubrelvy isn’t used for this condition.
If you’d like to learn more about Ubrelvy or Imitrex, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about similarities and differences between the drugs. They can also help determine whether one drug or the other might work well for you.
Note: For more information about migraine, see our headache and migraine hub.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.