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Frova Side Effects

Frova (frovatriptan) is a prescription medication used to abort migraine headaches. It belongs to a group of drugs called triptans and should only be used by patients who have had a definitive diagnosis of migraine. Because the active migraine mechanism is singular, this product is not indicated for common headaches. Migraine headaches are the result of blood vessels in the brain expanding, triggering pain. Frovatriptan narrows the blood vessels, restoring them to normal size and eliminating the pain.

  1. Minor Side Effects

    • Frovatriptan is well tolerated by most adults. In a controlled clinical study of 1,554 patients treated with 2.5 mg of Frova, the most common side effects over a 48-hour period were dizziness (eight percent), fatigue (five percent), flushing (four percent), common headache (four percent), tingling (four percent), skeletal and joint pain (three percent), dry mouth (three percent), hot or cold sensation (three percent), indigestion (two percent) and chest discomfort (two percent). Drowsiness and nausea were reported in less than two percent of participating patients. Call your doctor or pharmacist if any of these minor side effects persist or intensify.

    Serious Side Effects

    • Stop taking Frova and notify your doctor immediately if any of these more serious side effects occur: vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, numbness in the hands or feet, chest pain, tightness in the neck or jaw, unusual weakness or swelling, muscle pain, mood changes, eye pain, ringing in the ears or difficulty with urination. Although serious, these side effects are rarely fatal.

    Very Serious Side Effects

    • Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these very serious side effects: fast/slow/irregular heartbeats, severe chest pain, severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, blurred vision, slurred speech, confusion or difficulty breathing.

    Allergic Reaction

    • Seek immediate medical attention in the unusual event you develop symptoms of an allergic reaction: rash or itching, swelling of the face, tongue or throat, uncontrolled dizziness or difficulty breathing.

    Warning

    • Because triptans constrict cerebral blood vessels, Frova may not be suitable if you have been diagnosed with coronary artery disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure or peripheral vascular disease, due to the increased risk of ischemic stroke. Discuss your current medical condition with your doctor to determine if treatment with Frova presents unacceptable risk factors.

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