Frova® (frovatriptan succinate) is a prescription drug used for the acute treatment of migraine, with or without aura, in adults who have a clear migraine diagnosis. It is a type of drug known as a selective 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist (triptan).1
Frova is designed to only treat a migraine that has already begun. It works best if it is taken as soon as migraine symptoms appear. Frova should not be used to prevent migraine attacks or reduce the number of migraine attacks you have. It should not be used to treat other types of migraine.1
Overuse of acute migraine drugs like Frova can cause medication overuse headaches. If your migraine attacks worsen while taking Frova, your doctor may decide to stop your treatment with it.1
What are the ingredients in Frova?
The active ingredient in Frova is frovatriptan succinate.1
How does Frova work?
Frova works by binding with 5-HT1B/1D receptors on blood vessels in the brain. It narrows the blood vessels in the brainstem. It also reduces the inflammatory substances in the body that can trigger head pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and other migraine symptoms.1
What are the possible side effects?
The most common side effects of Frova include:1
- Dizziness
- Tiredness, drowsiness
- Headache (other than migraine)
- Tingling or numbness in your fingers or toes
- Warm, hot, burning feeling on your face (flushing)
- Dry mouth
- Feeling hot or cold
- Joint or bone pain
- Chest pain
- Indigestion
These are not all the possible side effects of Frova. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking Frova. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking Frova.
Other things to know
Frova can cause dizziness, weakness, or drowsiness. If you have these symptoms do not drive a car, use machinery, or do anything where you need to be alert.1
Before starting treatment with Frova, tell your doctor if have:1
- High blood sugar
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Liver problems
- Obesity
- Heart disease or a family history of heart disease or stroke
- Any allergies
There is not enough data to know if Frova is safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding. Before starting treatment with Frova, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. They can help you decide if Frova is right for you.1
Frova is not for people with risk factors for heart disease unless a heart exam is done and shows no problems. You have a higher risk for heart disease if you:1
- Have high blood pressure
- Smoke
- Have diabetes
- Have high cholesterol
- Are overweight
- Have a family history of heart disease
Do not take Frova if you have:1
- Heart problems, a history of heart problems, or problems with the electrical system of your heart
- Had a stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), or problems with your blood circulation
- Had hemiplegic migraines or basilar migraine
- Narrowing of blood vessels to your legs, arms, or stomach (peripheral vascular disease)
- Injury to your bowel (intestine) due to poor blood circulation (ischemic bowel disease)
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
Frova and certain other medicines can affect each other, causing serious side effects. Before using Frova, tell your doctor if you take:1
- Ergotamine or triptan medicine
- Opioid pain medicine
- Antidepressant medicines called:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Before beginning treatment for migraine, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.
For more information, read the full prescribing information of Frova.