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Efficacy and safety of rimegepant for acute and preventive treatment of migraine: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Khodeer DM, Abdelmonem SM, Dossouvi KM, Adawi M, Hamza E, Ali DA

BMC pharmacology & toxicology, 2026

7,198 participants · 2 citations

Abstract

Background: Migraine is a disabling neurological disorder with limited tolerability and cardiovascular limitations associated with traditional acute therapies such as triptans. Rimegepant, an oral calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist, has emerged as a promising treatment option. This meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of a single 75 mg oral dose of rimegepant for acute preventive treatment of migraine.

Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted from inception to October 2025. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating oral rimegepant 75 mg for acute migraine in adults were included. Primary outcomes included pain freedom and pain relief at 2, 24, and 48 h. Secondary outcomes included freedom from associated migraine symptoms, return to normal function, rescue medication use, and adverse events. A random-effects model was applied for pooled analysis.

Results: Nine RCTs involving 7,198 participants were included. Participants received a single 75 mg oral dose of rimegepant per migraine attack. Rimegepant demonstrated significantly greater 2-hour pain freedom compared with placebo (RR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.5-2.1). Two-hour pain relief was similarly improved (RR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.28-1.42). Safety outcomes were comparable to placebo, with no significant differences in total adverse events (RR = 1.10) or serious adverse events.

Conclusion: A single 75 mg oral dose of rimegepant is an effective and…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 7,198 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

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