Compare Onzetra vs. Cafergot
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats migraine headaches.
Onzetra (sumatriptan) is the only medicine that's available in a breath-powered nose powder to treat migraines. However, it can be expensive compared to other medicines.
Treats migraine headaches.
Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine) can treat migraines, but you're more likely to have side effects.
Upsides
- Compared to pills, Onzetra (sumatriptan) is better absorbed in the body and good if it's hard to take pills.
- Onzetra (sumatriptan) is a first choice medicine to treat migraines.
- There is a copay program available that can make Onzetra (sumatriptan) cheaper.
- Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine) works better than other medicines if your migraines usually last more than 2 days or if you have more frequent migraines.
Downsides
- It can be very expensive. There are other forms of this same medicine that are much cheaper, including a nose spray.
- You have to use two nosepieces to get the full dose of Onzetra (sumatriptan), which can be hard to remember.
- Onzetra (sumatriptan) is only available in one strength.
- Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine) can't stop migraines from happening. They can only treat them.
- Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine) can only be used for migraines. It doesn't work for other types of headaches.
- Smoking or using products that contain nicotine can make Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine) less effective.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Nasal powder
- Pill
- Suppository
Price
Lowest price
$11.16
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$614.79
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Reviews
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Side effects
4possible side effects
- Changes in taste20%
- Discomfort in the nose11%
- Runny nose5%
- Stuffy nose2%
The Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Heart attack
- Heart disease
- History of chest pain
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Stroke
- History of a stroke
- Medication overuse headache
- Using Onzetra (sumatriptan) for more than 10 days a month
- Serotonin syndrome
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Fentanyl
- Tramadol
- Buspirone
- ADHD medicines
- Triptans
- Higher blood pressure
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Suicidal behavior
- Taking medicines for seizures
- Blood vessel issues
- High blood pressure
- History of stroke
- Heart and circulation problems
- Overdosing Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine)
- Taking triptans (Imitrex, Axert, Maxalt, Amerge, Frova) for migraines
- Dependency and withdrawal
- Taking Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine) regularly for months
- Danger to fetus