Why Is Nurtec ODT So Expensive for Migraine Relief?

For many people living with migraines, finding relief is a long and arduous experience. When a medication like Nurtec ODT finally brings hope, the cost can feel like a new challenge. With prices reaching over $1,000 a month, it’s natural to wonder why Nurtec is so expensive. This medication offers something rare: fast relief and ongoing prevention in one treatment. However, the high price of Nurtec often requires patients to carefully weigh their treatment choices.

In this blog, we’ll break down the real reasons behind the high price of Nurtec, from clinical research to patents and more. We’ll also explore ways to make Nurtec more affordable, through insurance, savings programs, and lower-cost alternatives, so you can access the care you deserve without added financial strain.

Understanding Nurtec

What Is Nurtec and How It Works

Nurtec is a prescription medication that contains rimegepant as its active ingredient. It belongs to a class of drugs known as CGRP receptor antagonists or gepants. Nurtec ODT blocks the CGRP receptor. The CGRP receptor plays a key role in triggering migraine attacks. By targeting this pathway, Nurtec helps reduce inflammation and stop migraine pain from progressing.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Nurtec ODT in February 2020 for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults. 

In May 2021, the FDA approved Nurtec ODT for preventing episodic migraine [3]. This made it one of the few treatments approved for both quick relief and long-term prevention.

Nurtec ODT comes as a 75 mg orally disintegrating tablet. It is designed to dissolve quickly on or under the tongue without the need for water. This makes it easier to take during migraine episodes, especially when nausea is present. Its dual purpose, treating and preventing migraine, sets it apart from traditional, single-use treatments.

How Much Does Nurtec Cost in the US?

The retail list price for Nurtec ODT, found at large pharmacy chains typically starts around $1,200 for an eight-tablet pack. This translates to approximately $150 per tablet. Monthly costs can exceed $1,500. This is especially true if Nurtec is used for both acute and preventive treatment. 

Some pharmacies may charge as much as $1,400 for an eight-tablet pack, particularly in certain regions or at independent locations. Nurtec ODT Prices can vary based on the pharmacy chain, geographic location, and whether any discounts or savings programs are applied. In general, independent pharmacies tend to have higher retail prices compared to larger national chains.

Insurance & Copay Variations

Insurance coverage significantly affects out‑of‑pocket costs for Nurtec ODT. Many plans place it on a high-tier formulary, which means higher copays or coinsurance. Patients frequently pay $30 to $150 or more per prescription, depending on coverage terms. For those in high-deductible plans, the full price may apply until the deductible is met. Even insured individuals can sometimes face monthly charges exceeding $1,000.

Beyond cost tiers, prior authorization and step therapy often complicate access. Insurance companies may require patients to try and fail less expensive migraine treatments before approving Nurtec. This process can delay benefits for weeks or even months.

Is there a generic for Nurtec?

Currently, no generic version of Nurtec ODT is available in the United States. Nurtec represents a relatively recent addition to migraine treatment options, having received FDA approval in October 2020 for acute migraine treatment, making it quite new in pharmaceutical terms.

The timeline for generic availability extends well into the future due to patent protections. Patent analysis indicates that the earliest potential date for generic entry will be February 25, 2033, though this could change based on patent challenges or licensing agreements. This extended exclusivity period reflects the complex patent landscape surrounding newer medications.

The pharmaceutical development process naturally creates these lengthy timelines. The full research, development and approval process for new drugs typically spans 12 to 15 years, with average costs reaching billions of dollars. Even after patent expiration, generic drug approval timelines vary significantly – while some priority drugs have received generic approval in six months or less, others require several application revisions and extended review periods.

The patent protection system ensures that Nurtec ODT will remain exclusively available as a brand-name medication for approximately another decade, preventing generic manufacturers from entering the market until the early 2030s.

Why Is Nurtec So Expensive?

R&D and Clinical Trial Costs

Developing Nurtec ODT took over a decade, involving multiple large-scale clinical trials and FDA-regulated safety testing. The average cost to bring a new drug to market exceeds $2 billion, all of which impacts final pricing.

No Generic Alternatives or Competition

Nurtec ODT is protected by patents until the 2030s. No generic alternatives are allowed during this exclusivity period. This removes market competition and lets the manufacturer keep prices high.

Novel CGRP‑Receptor Mechanism

Nurtec ODT is a first-in-class CGRP receptor antagonist for migraines. Its innovative mechanism allows it to command premium pricing compared to older, less targeted migraine treatments.

Acquisition & Marketing Costs

Nurtec ODT became a key asset following a multi-billion-dollar pharmaceutical acquisition. Additionally, the brand invests heavily in advertising and promotion, which adds to the overall cost of the drug.

U.S. Pricing Policy Environment

The United States does not regulate drug prices like many other countries. Manufacturers can set their own prices, and complex rebate structures often fail to reduce actual out-of-pocket costs for patients.

How to Get Nurtec ODT at a Lower Cost

Canadian pharmacies offer one of the most reliable pathways to accessing Nurtec ODT at significantly reduced prices compared to U.S. retail costs. Canadian online pharmacies typically offer savings of 24% or more on brand-name medications, making expensive specialty drugs like Nurtec more affordable for patients struggling with high out-of-pocket costs.

The cost advantage stems from Canada’s regulated pricing system and favorable exchange rates, while maintaining the same high-quality standards you expect from prescription medications. Health Canada’s regulatory framework ensures pharmaceutical safety standards comparable to FDA requirements.

DoctorSolve.com serves as your trusted gateway to licensed Canadian pharmacies, streamlining the process of obtaining your Nurtec prescription at Canadian prices. Our platform connects you with a verified Canadian pharmacy, handles prescription verification, and ensures secure delivery to your door. With proper prescription documentation, you can access the same Nurtec ODT you’d receive domestically, but at a fraction of the cost.

Affordable Alternatives to Nurtec

There are several ways to explore Nurtec ODT cost savings, along with alternative treatments that may be more affordable for some patients. However, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider before making any changes.

Oral Triptans

Imitrex (Sumatriptan) is used specifically to treat, not prevent, migraines. It targets headache, pain, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Taking it promptly can help you get back to your normal routine and potentially reduce your need for other pain medication.

Through DoctorSolve.com, you can buy Imitrex from a Canadian pharmacy for $11 per tablet

Maxalt MLT and Zomig offer dissolving tablet formulations. These alternatives cost significantly less than Nurtec. Maxalt (rizatriptan) is used to treat existing migraine headaches, not prevent them. It helps relieve headache, pain, and other migraine symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light/sound. 

Through DoctorSolve.com you can buy Maxalt MLT from a Canadian pharmacy for $14 per tablet.

Zomig (zolmitriptan) is indicated for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults. It should only be used where a clear diagnosis of migraine has been established.

For about $11, you can buy generic Zomig from a Canadian pharmacy through DoctorSolve.com.

However, triptans have cardiovascular contraindications. They’re not suitable for patients with heart disease or stroke risk. Triptans also lack preventive capabilities, unlike Nurtec.

Other Gepants

Ubrelvy (ubrogepant) provides similar CGRP mechanism benefits. Pricing remains comparable to Nurtec for most patients. Both medications face similar insurance coverage challenges.

Buy Ubrelvy from a Canadian pharmacy for about $31 per tablet through DoctorSolve.com.

Ubrelvy requires twice-daily dosing for acute episodes. Nurtec’s single-dose approach may offer convenience advantages. Neither medication has established superiority in head-to-head trials.

How to Order Nurtec from an International Canadian Pharmacy

The best online Canadian pharmacies are easy to use. The ordering process at legitimate Canadian pharmacies follows a structured approach to ensure safety and regulatory compliance. Understanding each step helps set appropriate expectations for timing and requirements.

Step 1: Account Setup

Create an account by providing contact, shipping, and basic medical info. Verify your email and identity, usually within 24 hours.

Step 2: Prescription Submission

Upload a scanned copy or photo of your U.S. prescription. Some pharmacies also accept faxes or direct submissions from your doctor.

Step 3: Medical Review

A Canadian doctor reviews and co-signs the prescription within 1–3 business days. You may be contacted for more details if needed.

Step 4: Order & Shipping

Once approved, orders ship within 1–2 days. Delivery takes 7–14 days, with tracking provided. Customs may cause slight delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Nurtec cost so much?

Nurtec costs so much because it is a new, patented, dissolvable migraine drug, its maker sets high prices to recoup development, manufacturing, marketing costs; there’s no generic or U.S. price regulation, so costs stay high.

How can patients afford Nurtec?

Patients can save on Nurtec by choosing a 3-month supply, exploring generic alternatives, or shopping at a Canadian pharmacy through DoctorSolve.com.

Is Ubrelvy cheaper than Nurtec?

Ubrelvy and Nurtec have similar list prices around $1,100 monthly. Per-tablet costs favor Ubrelvy slightly for acute use. However, Nurtec’s dual indication provides better value for prevention needs.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the high cost of Nurtec reflects more than just the medication—it includes years of development, patent protections, and the realities of the U.S. healthcare system. But high price doesn’t have to mean limited access. With savings cards, insurance appeals, and pharmacy discounts, there are real ways to lower your out-of-pocket costs. 

Some patients even explore international options for additional savings. For example, services like DoctorSolve.com connect U.S. patients to licensed Canadian pharmacies, offering legitimate access to Nurtec at significantly reduced prices. If this medication works for you, don’t let the cost stop your treatment journey. Talk to your doctor about affordable options, stay proactive, and take advantage of the tools available. 

Relief from migraines should be accessible—and with the right strategy, it can be within reach.

References

• National Library of Medicine. (2023). Migraine
• GoodRx. (2025). Nurtec
• FDA.gov. (2025). Highlights of Prescribing Information
• National Library of Medicine. (2019). Variation in Prescription Drug Prices by Retail Pharmacy Type: A National Cross-sectional Study
• Singlecare. (2024). Nurtec copay card: Save on migraine medication
• Healthcare. (2024). Nurtec ODT and Cost: What You Need to Know
• Pharsightgrey. (2024). Nurtec Odt Patent Expiration
• Pfizer. (2022). Pfizer Completes Acquisition of Biohaven Pharmaceuticals
• GoodRx. (2024). Tips for reducing the cost of your prescription drugs
• Drugs.com. (2025). How do Ubrelvy, Qulipta and Nurtec compare for migraines?
• Drugs.com. (2025). Sumatriptan Prices, Coupons, Copay Cards & Patient Assistance