What is Frova?
The headache medicine Frova narrows the blood vessels in and around the brain. This medicine reduces substances that trigger migraine symptoms, such as headache pain, nausea, and sensitivity to sound and light. Frova is prescribed to treat migraine headaches. This medication will only treat headaches that have already started. This medicine will not reduce headaches or prevent them. Frova is not recommended for treating a tension headache or a headache causing loss of motion on one side. Only use Frova if your doctor has confirmed that you have migraine headaches. Frova can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Frova
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, facial or throat swelling and difficulty swallowing. Please seek immediate medical assistance.
Frova can cause serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately if:
- Sudden and severe stomach pain with bloody diarrhea
- Chest pain, shortness of breath and irregular heartbeats are symptoms that should not be ignored.
- A seizure (convulsions);
- Blood circulation problems in the legs or feet: cramps, tingling or numbness, muscle weakness, pain or burning, feeling of coldness, changes in color (pale, blue), hip pain
- Heart attack symptoms: chest pain or pressure; pain spreading into your jaw or shoulder; nausea; and sweating.
- High levels of serotonin can cause agitation, hallucinations, and fever.
- Increased blood pressure: severe headache, blurred or distorted vision, pounding of the neck and ears, anxiety, and nosebleeds;
- Signs of stroke: sudden numbness, weakness, or headache (especially one side), slurred or shaky speech, and problems with vision, balance, or coordination.
Side effects of Frova include:
- Mild headache (not migraine);
- Feeling too hot or too cold
- Dry mouth, upset stomach
- Chest pain;
- Bone or joint pain
- Numbness in the fingers or toes
- Dizziness, tiredness;
- Flushing (warmth, redness, or tingling feeling)
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor.Reaching out to the FDA to report side effects is as easy as dialing 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Botox, Amitriptyline, Diclofenac, Propranolol, Celecoxib, Sumatriptan, and Metoclopramide
Warnings
Frova should not be used if you have ever had heart disease, coronary artery disease, blood circulation problems, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe liver disease or have experienced a heart attack or stroke, or if your headache appears different than its typical migraine counterparts. Take Frova for at least 24 hours after taking another migraine headache medication.
Before you take this drug
Frova should not be used if:
- Heart problems or strokes (including "ministrokes")
- Angina (chest discomfort), problems with blood circulation, and a lack of blood supply to the heart are all symptoms of coronary artery diseases.
- Circulation issues that impact the legs, arms, stomach, intestines, or kidneys;
- A heart disorder called Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome;
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Severe liver disease
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Liver or kidney disease
- High blood pressure is a disorder of the heart rhythm.
- Risk factors for coronary heart disease include diabetes, menopause, and smoking. Other risk factors are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history.
Frova is not known to harm unborn babies.Inform your physician immediately if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Breast-feeding may not be possible while taking this medication. You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks. Frova cannot be used by anyone under the age of 18.
How to take Frova?
Your initial dose may be administered in a hospital setting or clinic to detect and address any severe side-effects. As soon as headache symptoms appear, take Frova. Read all the instructions and directions that come with your prescription. Follow the directions on the label. Do not exceed the recommended dosage. The overuse of migraine headache medication can worsen headaches. If the medication seems to be less effective in treating migraine attacks, tell your doctor. Take one tablet with a glass of water. Call your doctor if your headache doesn't completely disappear after taking the first tablet. Take a second pill if your headache disappears and then returns. Take no more than three tablets within 24 hours. If your headache persists after taking your first Frova tablet, call your doctor. Tell your doctor if more than four headaches occur in a month (30 days). Inform your doctor if your medication does not seem to be working as well at treating migraine attacks. Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture to prolong shelf life.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Frova does not require a schedule of daily doses because it is only used as needed. If your symptoms don't improve after taking Frova, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Do not take Frova for migraine headaches within 24 hours of using any other migraine headache medication.
- Sumatriptan, almotriptan, eletriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, and zolmitriptan;
- Ergot medicine such as dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergonovine, or methylergonovine.
Frova can affect your reaction time. Avoid driving and other potentially hazardous activities until you know exactly how they will affect you. You may be unable to react properly.
Interaction with other drug
If you use Frova and certain other medications, it can lead to a buildup of high serotonin levels in your body. This condition, commonly referred to as "serotonin syndrome", can be fatal.Tell your doctor if:
- Medicine to treat depression or a mental disorder;
- Medicine for Parkinson’s disease
- Medicine for serious infections
- Herbal products
- Stimulant medicines;
- Opioid medicine;
- Medicine to prevent nausea and vomiting
This list is incomplete. Frova may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible interactions with drugs.
