What is Ubrelvy: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Medically reviewed by Karen BergerPharm.D.
Licensed Pharmacist
Updated Dec 14, 2023  •  Published Dec 30, 2020
Fact Checked

Ubrelvy overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Ubrelvy

Generic Names:

  • Ubrogepant is the active ingredient of Ubrelvy, but is not available as a generic drug

Uses:

  • Treats acute migraine with or without aura in adults

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Ubrelvy used for?

Ubrelvy is used in adults for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura. Before a migraine attack, some people have an aura, which may include visual and/or sensory disturbances like seeing zigzag lines or flashing lights—or feeling dizzy and experiencing ringing in the ears. 

Ubrelvy is not used to prevent migraine, and it is not FDA-approved for use in children.

  • Ubrelvy contains the active ingredient ubrogepant. It is used to treat migraine with or without aura in adult patients. It does not prevent migraine headaches. Ubrelvy is part of the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist group of drugs.

  • Before taking Ubrelvy, be sure to tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions and all the medications you take, including Rx and OTC drugs, vitamins, and supplements. Some medications—as well as grapefruit juice—interact with Ubrelvy.

  • Take Ubrelvy exactly as directed. Do not take more than prescribed. If you feel like the dose is not working, consult your healthcare professional for medical advice. 

  • The most common side effects of Ubrelvy include drowsiness, dry mouth, and nausea. If you have symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling, stop taking Ubrelvy and get emergency medical help.

What form(s) does Ubrelvy come in

  • Tablet

    • 50 mg

    • 100 mg

What are common Ubrelvy doses?

  • The initial dose is 50 mg or 100 mg taken by mouth if needed for migraine pain relief.

  • A second dose may be taken at least 2 hours after the first dose, if needed, to help alleviate migraine symptoms.

  • The maximum dose is 200 mg in 24 hours.

  • Dose adjustment may be required in some cases. For example, people with severe liver problems or renal impairment will usually be prescribed an initial 50 mg dose, followed by a second 50 mg dose taken at least 2 hours after the first dose, if needed.

Common Ubrelvy prescriptions

  • Ubrelvy
    100mg tablet

  • Ubrelvy
    50mg tablet

How to take Ubrelvy

  • Before taking Ubrelvy, read the prescription label, information leaflet, and Medication Guide. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions. 

  • Your healthcare provider will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Use ubrogepant only when you have a migraine. This medicine is not used on a regular schedule and is not used to prevent migraine attacks.

  • If your headache comes back or you do not get complete relief, wait at least 2 hours before you take another tablet. If you feel you need to use the medicine more than 2 times in 24 hours, call your doctor.

  • You can take Ubrelvy with or without food. Avoid grapefruit products and grapefruit juice while taking Ubrelvy.

  • You should not take a second dose of Ubrelvy within 24 hours if you have consumed grapefruit, or if you take ciprofloxacin, cyclosporine, fluconazole, fluvoxamine, or verapamil.

  • Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep out of reach and out of sight of children and pets.

What to do if you miss a dose of Ubrelvy

  • Ubrelvy is taken only when needed and does not have a regular dosing schedule.

  • Do not exceed 200 mg in 24 hours.

  • Do not use Ubrelvy to treat more than 8 migraine headaches per month.

Ubrelvy contraindications

Ubrelvy warnings

  • Tell your healthcare provider about any allergies to medications as well as medical conditions, especially if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or liver disease.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone, even if they have the same symptoms.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Ubrelvy interactions

  • Before taking Ubrelvy, tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you take. This includes prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, or herbal products.

  • Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

  • Some medicines can affect how ubrogepant works. Tell your doctor if you are also using carvedilol, ciprofloxacin, cyclosporine, eltrombopag, fluconazole, fluvoxamine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, quinidine, rifampin, or verapamil—or supplements such as curcumin (turmeric) or St. John's wort.

  • Do not take this medicine if you take clarithromycin, itraconazole, or ketoconazole.

Ubrelvy side effects

Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported after Ubrelvy use. Symptoms of a severe hypersensitivity reaction may include rash, hives, itching, shortness of breath, and/or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. This reaction could occur anywhere from several minutes after taking Ubrelvy, to several days later—although generally most reactions occur within several hours. If you have any of the symptoms listed, stop taking Ubrelvy and seek emergency medical attention. 

Serious side effects

  • Allergic reaction

Less serious side effects of Ubrelvy include:

  • Nausea

  • Dry mouth

  • Drowsiness

Sources:

Medically reviewed by Karen BergerPharm.D.
Licensed Pharmacist

After receiving her doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Karen Berger, Pharm.D., has worked in both chain and independent community pharmacies. She currently works at an independent pharmacy in New Jersey. Dr. Berger enjoys helping patients understand medical conditions and medications—both in person as a pharmacist, and online as a medical writer and reviewer.

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