What is Frova?

Frova is a headache medicine that narrows blood vessels around the brain. This medicine also reduces substances in the body that can trigger headache pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and other migraine symptoms. Frova is used to treat migraine headaches. This medicine will only treat a headache that has already begun. It will not prevent headaches or reduce the number of attacks. Frova should not be used to treat a common tension headache, or a headache that causes loss of movement on one side of your body. Use Frova only if your condition has been confirmed by a doctor as migraine headaches.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, at the first sign of a migraine. It may be taken with or without food, but may work faster when it is taken on an empty stomach. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. If there is no improvement in your symptoms, do not take more doses of this medication before talking to your doctor.
• If you have a higher risk for heart problems (see Precautions), your doctor may perform a heart exam before you start taking frovatriptan. He/she may also direct you to take your first dose of this medication in the office/clinic to monitor for serious side effects (such as chest pain). Talk to your doctor for details.
• If you are using drugs for migraine attacks on 10 or more days each month, the drugs may actually make your headaches worse (medication overuse headache). Do not use medications more often or for longer than directed. Tell your doctor if you need to use this medication more often, or if the medication is not working as well, or if your headaches get worse.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Your medical history, especially of: blood circulation problems (for example, in your legs, arms/hands, or stomach), certain types of headaches (hemiplegic or basilar migraine), heart problems (such as chest pain, irregular heartbeat, previous heart attack), liver disease, seizure, stroke or "mini-stroke" (transient ischemic attack).
• If you have any of these conditions, including: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, family history of heart disease, overweight, smoker, postmenopausal (women), age more than 40 years (men).

Also be aware that:

• This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
• The risk of heart disease and high blood pressure increases with age. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially increased blood pressure and heart problems.
• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
• This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high.

Common side-effects may include but are not limited to:

• Flushing, feelings of tingling/numbness/prickling/heat, tiredness, dry mouth, or dizziness.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• Blue fingers/toes/nails, cold hands/feet, hearing changes, mental/mood changes.
• Chest/jaw/neck tightness, pain, or pressure that is usually not serious. However, these side effects are like symptoms of a heart attack, which may include chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, or unusual sweating. Get medical help right away if these or other serious side effects occur, including: fast/irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, signs of a stroke (such as weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes, confusion).
• Fast heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, twitching muscles, unexplained fever, unusual agitation/restlessness.
• Any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Q: What happens if I miss a dose?

A: Since Frova is used when needed, it does not have a daily dosing schedule. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after using Frova.

Q: What should I avoid while using Frova?

A: Do not take Frova within 24 hours before or after using another migraine headache medicine, including: sumatriptan, almotriptan, eletriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan; or ergot medicine such as dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergonovine, or methylergonovine.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how Frova will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.