Frova®

What is Frova?

Frova belongs to a group of medicines called triptans, which help treat migraine headaches with or without aura.

Migraines cause very painful headaches which get in the way of your every-day life. Although there’s no cure for migraines, triptans like Frova can reduce the symptoms.

Migraines can be caused by the widening of the blood vessels in the brain. Frova narrows the blood vessels, which helps relieve migraine headaches and symptoms. It’s important to note that Frova can’t prevent migraines, it only relieves the symptoms once they start.

How does Frova work?

Although the exact cause of migraines isn’t fully understood, these are some of the processes that contribute to it:

1. Widening of blood vessels in the brain
2. Inflammation in the brain
3. Activation of pain receptors and nerve pathways^[1]

Frovatriptan, the active ingredient in Frova, is a selective serotonin receptor agonist. It binds to serotonin receptors, which narrows blood vessels. This helps reduce blood flow to the brain, relieving the pain associated with migraines. Additionally, frovatriptan may reduce brain inflammation and inhibit the transmission of pain signals through the nerves, further providing relief from migraine symptoms.^[2]

Does Frova prevent menstrual migraines?

Some research has shown that certain triptans (like frovatriptan) can be effective at preventing menstrual migraines (sometimes called hormone headaches or period headaches). They do this in the same way they treat ‘normal’ migraines, by binding to the serotonin receptors in the brain. This tightens blood vessels and blocks pain signals from reaching the brain.

Frova has a long half-life of 26 hours (the time it takes for half the medication to leave your body), resulting in a longer duration of action. This can help it prevent menstrual migraines.^[3]

What doses of Frova are there?

Frova tablets contain 2.5mg of frovatriptan. The recommended dose is one tablet taken as soon as your headache starts. If your migraine persists, a second tablet can be taken after two hours. Don’t take more than 3 tablets (7.5mg total) in 24 hours.

How to take Frova

Frova should be taken by mouth, with a drink. You should only take Frova as soon as your migraine headache begins, not during the aura phase. Taking it during the aura phase will not speed up relief and may actually make the medication ineffective.

The recommended dose is one single tablet, but a second tablet can be taken if you’ve not achieved complete relief.

But, don’t take a second tablet if the first one did not work, as it is unlikely to help. You should contact your doctor if the migraine persists.

How long does Frova take to work?

Frova can work within one hour and provide complete relief within two hours. Some people may need to take a second dose, after two hours, for full relief.

I accidentally took too much Frova — now what?

Taking too much Frova can cause overdose symptoms, like fainting and low heart rate. If you took more than the prescribed amount you should contact your doctor or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.