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Frovatriptan Tablets

What is this medication?

FROVATRIPTAN (froe va TRIP tan) treats migraines. It works by blocking pain signals and narrowing blood vessels in the brain. It belongs to a group of medications called triptans. It is not used to prevent migraines.

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Frova

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Circulation problems in fingers and toes
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • History of irregular heartbeat
  • History of stroke
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Stomach or intestine problems
  • Tobacco use
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to frovatriptan, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Do not use it more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

  • Certain medications for migraine headache, such as almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan
  • Ergot alkaloids, such as dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine

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This medication may also interact with the following:

  • Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or mental health conditions
  • MAOIs, such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgement. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.

Tell your care team right away if you have any change in your eyesight.

If you take migraine medication for 10 or more days a month, your migraines may get worse. Keep a diary of headache days and medication use. Contact your care team if your migraine attacks occur more frequently.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Bleeding in the brain—severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, dizziness, change in vision, numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, trouble walking, vomiting
  • Burning, pain, tingling, or color changes in the legs or feet
  • Change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
  • Chest pain (angina)—pain, pressure, or tightness in the chest, neck, back, or arms
  • Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
  • Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
  • Increase in blood pressure
  • Irritability, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness, twitching muscles, sweating, high fever, seizure, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, which may be signs of serotonin syndrome
  • Raynaud's—cool, numb, or painful fingers or toes that may change color from pale, to blue, to red
  • Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
  • Sudden or severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting

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Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Dizziness
  • General discomfort or fatigue

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Get rid of any unused medicine after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer wanted or have expired:

  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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