Frovatriptan (patient information)

Why this medication is prescribed

Frovatriptan is used to treat the symptoms of migraine headaches (severe throbbing headaches that sometimes are accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to sound and light). Frovatriptan is in a class of medications called selective serotonin receptor agonists. It works by narrowing blood vessels in the brain. Frovatriptan does not prevent migraine attacks.

How this medication should be used

Frovatriptan comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken at the first sign of a migraine attack. If your symptoms improve after you take frovatriptan but return after 2 hours or longer, you may take a second tablet. However, if your symptoms do not improve after you take frovatriptan, do not take a second tablet before calling your doctor. Do not take more than three frovatriptan tablets in any 24-hour period. Call your doctor if you need to take frovatriptan more than four times a month. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take frovatriptan exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

You may take your first dose of frovatriptan in a doctor's office or other medical facility where you can be monitored for serious reactions.

Before taking frovatriptan, read the manufacturer's information for patients that comes with it.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Special precautions

Before taking frovatriptan:

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to frovatriptan or any other medications.
do not take frovatriptan within 24 hours of another selective serotonin receptor agonist such as almotriptan (Axert), eletriptan (Relpax), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), sumatriptan (Imitrex), or zolmitriptan (Zomig); or ergot-type medications such as bromocriptine (Parlodel), cabergoline (Dostinex), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal), ergoloid mesylates (Germinal, Hydergine), ergonovine (Ergotrate), ergotamine (Bellergal-S, Cafergot, Ergomar, Wigraine), methylergonovine (Methergine), methysergide (Sansert), and pergolide (Permax).
tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: propranolol (Inderal); selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, in Symbyax), fluvoxamine, paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft);selective serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor); and oral contraceptives (birth control pills). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
tell your doctor if you smoke, if you or any family members have or have ever had heart disease, if you have gone through menopause (change of life), and if you have or have ever had a heart attack; angina (chest pain); pounding heartbeat or shortness of breath; a stroke or 'mini-stroke'; high blood pressure; high cholesterol; diabetes; circulation problems such as varicose veins, blood clots in the legs, Raynaud's disease (problems with blood flow to the fingers, toes, ears, and nose) or ischemic bowel disease (bloody diarrhea and stomach pain caused by decreased blood flow to the intestines); or liver disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking frovatriptan, call your doctor.
you should know that frovatriptan may make you drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
talk to your doctor about your headache symptoms to make sure they are caused by migraine. Frovatriptan should not be used to treat hemiplegic or basilar migraine or headaches caused by other conditions (such as cluster headaches).

Special dietary instructions

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Side effects

Minor side effects

Frovatriptan may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

dizziness
headache
dry mouth
indigestion
excessive tiredness
flushing
hot or cold feeling
pain in joints or bones

Severe side effects

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

tightness, pain, pressure, or heaviness in the chest, throat, neck, and/or jaw
slow or difficult speech
faintness
weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
severe stomach pain
bloody diarrhea
rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
difficulty breathing
paleness or blue color of the fingers and toes
pain, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet
rash or itching

Frovatriptan may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Storage conditions needed for 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). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Other information

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

Frova®