Why is this medicine prescribed?
Zavegepant nasal spray is used to treat the symptoms of migraine headaches (severe, throbbing headaches, sometimes occurring with nausea and sensitivity to sound or light). Zavegepant is in a class of medications called calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the action of a certain natural substance in the body that causes migraine headaches. Zavegepant does not prevent migraine attacks.
Are there other uses for this medicine?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Zavegepant comes as a solution (liquid) to spray into the nose. Spray one time into one nostril at the first sign of a migraine headache. Do not use more than one dose in a 24-hour period. Your doctor will tell you the maximum number of migraine headaches you should treat with zavegepant nasal spray in a 30-day period.
Use zavegepant nasal exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Call your doctor if your headaches do not get better or occur more frequently after using zavegepant nasal spray.
To use the nasal spray, follow these steps:
- Read all of the manufacturer's instructions for using the nasal spray before you use your first dose.
- Blow your nose gently.
- Hold the zavegepant nasal spray with your thumb on the bottom of the plunger and two fingers on either side of the nozzle, but be careful not to press the plunger.
- Use your other hand to block one nostril by pressing firmly on the side of your nose.
- Put the tip of the sprayer into your other nostril as far as feels comfortable. Keep your head upright and close your mouth.
- Breathe in gently through your nose. At the same time, press the plunger firmly with your thumb.
- Keep your head level and remove the tip from your nose.
- Breathe gently in through your nose and out through your mouth for 10 to 20 seconds. Do not breathe in deeply.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before using zavegepant nasal spray,
- tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this drug, any part of this drug, or any other drugs, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
- some medications should not be taken with zavegepant nasal spray. Make sure you have discussed any medications you are currently taking or plan to take before starting zavegepant nasal spray with your doctor and pharmacist. Before starting, stopping, or changing any medications while taking zavegepant nasal spray, please get the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
- if you are using nasal decongestants such as oxymetazoline or phenylephrine, use them at least 1 hour after using zavegepant nasal spray.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had high blood pressure, or kidney or liver problems.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using zavegepant nasal spray, call your doctor.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do in case of overdose?
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help . If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
What side effects can this medicine cause?
Zavegepant nasal spray may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- change in how things taste or loss of taste
- nasal discomfort
- nausea, vomiting
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- rash, hives, itching; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, throat, or around the mouth or eyes
- fingers or toes feeling numb, cool, or painful or changing color (pale, to blue, to red)
Zavegepant nasal spray may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch ) or by phone ( 1-800-332-1088).What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not freeze.
Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
You should keep a headache diary by writing down when you have headaches and when you use zavegepant nasal spray.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.