Zavzpret (Zavegepant) for Migraine

Zavzpret (zavegepant) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acute migraine with or without aura in adults.

How Zavzpret Works and How It’s Taken

Zavzpret is a type of medication called a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor blocker. It works by blocking CGRP, a pain-signaling protein linked to migraine. In migraine, this helps reduce pain signals and other changes that can trigger an attack, although the exact way it works is not fully known.

Doctors prescribe Zavzpret when an adult needs treatment for an active migraine attack, with or without aura.

Zavzpret is given as a nasal spray, typically used as needed at the start of a migraine attack.

Typical Dosing for Migraine

The recommended dose of Zavzpret for migraine is 10 milligrams given as a single spray in one nostril, as needed.

A doctor may advise not using more than one dose in 24 hours. The safety of treating more than eight migraine attacks in 30 days has not been established.

This information is based on the prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.

Zavzpret Side Effects

In clinical trials of Zavzpret for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults, the most common side effects occurred in about 2 percent to 18 percent of people. These side effects were reported more often with Zavzpret than with placebo (an inactive treatment).

Taste disorders, including a changed or lost sense of taste
Nausea
Nasal discomfort, such as irritation in the nose
Vomiting

Serious Side Effects and Warnings

Zavzpret can cause serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention. These include:

Severe allergic reactions — Hypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis, can include trouble breathing, hives, or swelling of the face.
Increased blood pressure — Blood pressure may rise, or existing high blood pressure may get worse.
Raynaud’s phenomenon — Reduced blood flow to the fingers or toes can cause pain, color changes, numbness, or tingling.

Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.

How To Save on Zavzpret

Pfizer, the manufacturer of Zavzpret, offers the Zavzpret copay card program. Eligible people with commercial insurance may pay as little as $0 for a 30-day supply through the Zavzpret savings card. This offer is not valid for people enrolled in state or federally funded insurance programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, Veterans Affairs healthcare, a state prescription drug assistance program, or the Government Health Insurance Plan available in Puerto Rico.

The Zavzpret copay card program also offers personalized, live support from Pfizer Migraine Patient Access Coordinators. This support includes help answering questions about insurance coverage, cost and savings, and prior authorizations. To learn more, visit the Zavzpret savings page or call 866-222-4183.

What To Know Before Taking Zavzpret

Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to zavegepant or any ingredients in Zavzpret.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements.

Also tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, circulation problems in your fingers or toes, kidney problems, or liver problems.

Do not take Zavzpret if you have had a serious allergic reaction to zavegepant or any of its ingredients.

Some medicines may interact with Zavzpret. Avoid using nasal decongestants with Zavzpret. If you have to use a nasal decongestant, use it at least one hour after using Zavzpret.

Zavzpret should be avoided in people with severe liver problems or severe kidney problems.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Zavzpret, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Community FAQs

These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.

How effective is Zavzpret?

In two studies of adults treating a migraine attack, 23.6 percent and 22.5 percent of people who used Zavzpret were pain-free at two hours, compared with 14.9 percent and 15.5 percent with placebo. Freedom from the person’s most bothersome or severe symptom at two hours was 39.6 percent and 41.9 percent with Zavzpret, compared with 31.1 percent and 33.7 percent with placebo.

In one study, 58.7 percent had pain relief at two hours, and 35.8 percent had normal function at two hours. Sustained pain freedom from two to 48 hours was 12.4 percent with Zavzpret versus 8.7 percent with placebo in one study.

How long does Zavzpret take to work for migraine?

Peak blood levels were reached about 30 minutes after a single 10-milligram nasal dose. In the clinical studies, key results were measured at two hours after treatment, including pain freedom and freedom from the most bothersome symptom.