Key takeaways:

• Ubrelvy (ubrogepant) and Imitrex (sumatriptan) are two effective options for treating migraine headaches. Imitrex is a preferred option for most people. But Ubrelvy may be a safer option for those with heart-related conditions who can’t take Imitrex.

• Ubrelvy comes as an oral tablet. Imitrex comes as an oral tablet as well as a nasal spray and an injection. So Imitrex has more options if your migraines tend to cause nausea and vomiting.

• Ubrelvy seems to have fewer side effects than Imitrex, especially when it comes to serious risks. And Ubrelvy treats migraines in a different way than Imitrex. So it’s a helpful option if you’re unable to tolerate Imitrex or it doesn’t work well for your migraines.

• Ubrelvy and Imitrex are both available as brand-name medications. But you can also find Imitrex as a lower-cost generic. GoodRx can help make your prescription more affordable.

Migraines are more than just a headache. They’re a complex neurological disorder that can cause severe pain, sensitivity to light and sound, and even nausea or vomiting. And just as there are different types of migraines, there are different types of medications you can take to treat them.

Imitrex (sumatriptan) and Ubrelvy (ubrogepant) are two migraine treatment options. But what’s the difference between them? And which is the more effective migraine treatment? Let’s take a look at seven differences between Ubrelvy versus Imitrex for migraines.

1. Ubrelvy and Imitrex work differently to treat migraines

Ubrelvy and Imitrex are both approved to treat migraines, but they work in different ways.

Ubrelvy is a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonist. It blocks the effects of CGRP, a protein that can cause migraines. Ubrelvy and other oral CGRP antagonists are also often referred to as “gepants.”

Imitrex, on the other hand, is a triptan. During migraines, blood vessels in your brain widen, which leads to pain and other symptoms. Imitrex binds to serotonin receptors (binding sites) on blood vessels. This causes them to narrow, which helps stop migraine symptoms. Imitrex also helps block pain signals to the brain.

Keep in mind that neither Ubrelvy nor Imitrex are approved to prevent migraines. Both medications can only treat migraines when they occur.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Migraine triggers: Learn about common migraine triggers and how to avoid them.

• What a migraine feels like: Read first-hand accounts of what it’s like to live with chronic migraines.

• Stop migraines before they happen: These medications can help prevent migraines from happening in the first place.

3. Imitrex comes in more dosage forms than Ubrelvy

Imitrex and Ubrelvy both come in oral tablets that typically work within 2 hours. And you can take a second dose of either medication 2 hours after the first dose, if needed.

But Imitrex is also available as a nasal spray and an injection under the skin (Imitrex STATDose, Zembrace SymTouch). These dosage forms start working faster than the oral tablets. And they’re also a better option if your migraines typically cause nausea and vomiting, since you don’t need to swallow them.

4. Ubrelvy and Imitrex have different side effects to consider

Ubrelvy and Imitrex have different side effects to consider when choosing between them.

More common side effects

The most common Ubrelvy side effects are nausea, sleepiness, and dry mouth. In most cases, these side effects are mild, and the medication is well tolerated by most people.

Common Imitrex side effects include a tingling sensation on your skin, dizziness, and feeling too hot or cold. It can also cause pressure or pain in your chest, neck, or jaw. Like Ubrelvy, Imitrex's side effects are mild and manageable for most people.

Serious side effects

Imitrex has a number of rare, but serious, possible side effects, including:

• High blood pressure

• Heart attack or stroke

• Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)

• Serotonin syndrome (high levels of serotonin that can be dangerous in severe cases)

• Seizures

• Anaphylaxis (allergic reaction)

Ubrelvy hasn’t been shown to have any serious side effects, other than the possibility of an allergic reaction. So it may be a safer option if you’re at a higher risk of serious Imitrex side effects. This includes those with heart-related health conditions as well as those taking other medications that can raise serotonin levels, such as antidepressants.

Medication overuse headaches

Rebound headaches are a common problem with triptans, especially if you take them more often than recommended. So it’s important to limit how often you take them to avoid this side effect. It isn’t recommended to take Imitrex more than four times in a 30-day period.

Ubrelvy doesn’t seem to cause rebound headaches. And you can take it up to eight times in a 30-day period. So it may be a better option if you typically have more than four migraines per month or you’re experiencing rebound headaches from Imitrex. 

5. Ubrelvy might be a safer option if you have a history of heart problems

Although it’s a first-choice migraine treatment, Imitrex isn’t recommended for everyone. As mentioned, Imitrex can cause heart-related side effects. These can be dangerous if you have a heart-related condition. So Imitrex isn’t recommended for those with conditions that affect the heart or blood vessels. 

Ubrelvy doesn’t cause heart-related side effects. So it’s a safer option for those who can’t take Imitrex or tolerate its side effects.

6. You shouldn’t take Ubrelvy and Imitrex together

In most cases, you’ll only take one prescription migraine treatment at a time. Your prescriber may suggest adding a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as naproxen (Aleve), or an anti-nausea medication to help treat migraine symptoms. But you shouldn’t take Imitrex and Ubrelvy at the same time unless your prescriber tells you to.

Combining prescription migraine treatments can raise the risk of drug interactions and side effects. Generally, if one medication isn’t working, your prescriber will switch you to a different one. And if your migraines happen often, your prescriber can add another medication to help prevent them.

If your current migraine treatment isn’t working well for you, talk to your prescriber. They can discuss your treatment plan and help you figure out next steps.

7. Imitrex is available as a lower-cost generic, but Ubrelvy is only available as a brand-name medication

There are many ways to save on Ubrelvy and Imitrex. Both are available as brand-name medications. But you can also find Imitrex as a lower-cost generic. GoodRx can help you navigate many ways to save on your prescription.

• Save with GoodRx. GoodRx can help you save over 75% off the average retail price of the generic version of Imitrex. Generic sumatriptan tablets cost as low as $12.20 for 9 tablets with a free GoodRx discount.

• Save with a copay savings card. If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible to receive Ubrelvy for free using a savings card from the manufacturer.

• Save with patient assistance programs. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for Imitrex or Ubrelvy’s patient assistance program, which offers the medication free of cost.