Frova (Frovatriptan)

What is Frova?

Frova belongs to the group of drugs known as triptans. Its active ingredients, frovatriptan succinate, a selective 5-hydroxy-tryptamine₁, helps relieve migraine headaches.

What is Frova used for?

Frova is used to get relief from headache and acute migraine pain. It is also used to relieve other symptoms of migraine such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound.

How does Frova work?

Frova is believed to work by contracting the blood vessels around the brain and thus, decreasing substances that cause nausea, headache, and sensitivity to sound and light.

How to use Frova

Take Frova as per the instructions given by your doctor. Take a tablet immediately after you notice the first symptoms of headache or migraine attack.

The medicine is usually taken with a full glass of water. For faster relief, take it on an empty stomach.

You can take the second tablet if you do not get relief from headache or if your headache comes back, but take it after a gap of at least four hours. Never take more than 3 tablets of Frova within the time period of 24 hours.

Frova warnings and precautions

Do not use Frova if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Prior to taking this medicine, tell your medical health provider if you have a medical history of high blood pressure, heart disease, heart rhythm disorder, liver disease, coronary artery disease, or if you are going through menopause.

The use of this medication is prohibited if you are a heavy smoker, overweight, or have a family history of diabetes and/or high cholesterol. Abstain from alcohol, while you are on this medication, as it aggravates the migraine symptoms. If you are over the age of 40 years or have undergone a hysterectomy, your doctor needs to know this beforehand in order to customize your dose.

Using Frova in excess can worsen your headache. Therefore, it is advised not to take the medication in larger amount or for longer period than recommended. Call your doctor if you think your headache symptoms have not improved before taking more than two tablets.

Pregnant and lactating females need to consult their doctors before taking this medicine.

What do I do if I have missed a Frova dose?

If you have missed a Frova dose, you need not be alarmed as the tablet is taken as per need. You can take the tablet as and when you feel the headache is coming. However, remember to take the tablet after a four hour gap.

What do I do if I have taken a Frova overdose?

If you have taken a Frova overdose, consult a doctor before doing anything else.

Frova interactions

Before taking Frova, you must tell your doctor if you are already using drugs such as Inderal, InnoPran, antidepressants such as Celexa, Lexapro, Cymbalta, Prozac, Sarafem, Paxil, Luvox, Zoloft or Effexor, other triptan and ergot medicines.

Tell your doctor about all the prescribed and non-prescribed drugs that you take including vitamins, herbal products or minerals that you may be using. Also, do not start taking any new medicine on your own.

Frova side effects

You must seek emergency medical help if you experience any kind of side effects from Frova such as hives, breathing difficulty, swelling of your face, lips, throat or tongue.

Some of the less serious side effects of Frova are feeling too warm or too cold, bone or joint pain, pressure or heavy feeling in any part of your body; warmth, redness, or mild tingling under your skin; dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, pain or tightness in your jaw, neck, or throat; dry mouth and upset stomach.

Call you doctor right away if you experience severe Frova side effects like pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, chest pain or heavy feeling, nausea, sweating, sudden weakness or numbness; problems with vision, speech, or balance; severe headache, pale or blue-colored appearance in your toes or fingers, or sudden and severe stomach pain.