A severe headache that feels like your head is splitting open... Difficulty in looking at light or sound... Nausea... This experience is very familiar to someone who suffers from this condition called migraine. Some people are unable to do anything for days when it comes. So when such a severe migraine starts, there is a special class of drugs that are given to control the pain. Today we are talking about one such drug, Frovatriptan.
What is Frovatriptan?
Simply put, Frovatriptan is a medication that is given to control the pain and other symptoms of a migraine once it has started. It is not a medication used to prevent migraines, meaning it is not a medication that you take every day. It is a medication that you should take as soon as you feel a migraine coming on.
Some people experience a warning sign before a migraine attack. For example, they may feel a strange sensation like colored streaks before their eyes, seeing lights, or numbness in an arm or leg. We medically call this an 'aura'. So Frovatriptan is used for both types of migraines, those with and without an aura.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Frovatriptan is not a one-size-fits-all medication. It is important to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have and your habits before starting this medication, as it can be dangerous to use this medication with certain conditions.
| The condition or habit you should report | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol | This medication constricts blood vessels, so people at risk of heart attack or stroke should be careful. |
| Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) | It is important to inform your doctor, as people with diabetes may be at risk of heart disease without realizing it. |
| If you are a smoker | Smoking damages blood vessels, so the risk may increase with this medication. |
| If you have had a previous stroke | This medication may affect blood vessels, so it is not suitable for those with a history of stroke. |
| Liver or kidney disease | These diseases affect the process of removing drugs from the body, so the dosage may need to be changed or the drug may become unsuitable. |
| Circulatory problems in the fingers | If you have conditions such as Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes your fingers and toes to turn pale or blue, this medication may worsen the condition. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | It is imperative to talk to your doctor because there is still no complete data on the safety of this medication during pregnancy. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | The medication can pass to the baby through breast milk, so discuss this with your doctor. |
How should I use this medicine?
The way to use this medicine is very simple. Swallow the pill with a glass of water. It is most effective to take the first dose as soon as you feel the migraine starting. Use it exactly as your doctor has prescribed. Do not take more than the prescribed amount.
Most importantly: This medicine is for you only. Even if someone else has the same symptoms as you, never share your medicine with others. It can be dangerous.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other medicines that should not be used with this medicine
Frovatriptan is a medication that can interact with some other medications, so tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescribed by other doctors, over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, even vitamins).
In particular, it is strictly forbidden to take Frovatriptan with the following medications:
| Drug category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Other triptan-type drugs for migraine | Sumatriptan, Rizatriptan, Naratriptan, Zolmitriptan, Almotriptan, Eletriptan |
| Ergot alkaloid drugs | Ergotamine, Dihydroergotamine (DHE), Methylergonovine |
| MAOI-type antidepressants | Drugs like Parnate, Nardil, Marplan. |
Additionally, other medications used to treat mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety can interact with this medication. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Frovatriptan can cause side effects in some people. Although most of these are minor, it is important to be aware of some serious symptoms.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Chest pain or tightness | It could be a sign of a heart attack. If you feel a tightness in your chest along with pain that radiates down your throat, jaw, or arm, seek medical advice immediately. |
| Symptoms of a stroke | Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, changes in vision, severe headache. |
| Serotonin Syndrome | This is a serious condition. Symptoms include restlessness, confusion, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, muscle twitching, sweating, and high fever. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Dry mouth | Chewing sugar-free gum or sipping water can provide relief. |
| Headache, dizziness | After taking the medicine, rest for a while. Avoid driving. |
| Vomiting, nausea, stomach pain | This can sometimes be controlled by taking the medicine with a small amount of food. |
| Numbness, pain in the limbs | Some people may feel tingling or pain in their limbs. |
Another important point!
If you take migraine medication more than 10 days a month, it can make your headaches worse. We call this a 'Medication Overuse Headache'. Therefore, it is very important to write down the days you get headaches and the days you take your medication in a book or calendar. If you notice that you are getting more migraines, talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Frovatriptan is a medication that is used to control pain after a migraine has started, not to prevent migraines.
- Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all the medicines you are taking, especially if you have heart disease or high blood pressure.
- Never give your medicine to anyone else.
- If you experience serious symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or swelling on one side of your face, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you take too much medicine, go to a hospital's emergency room (ETU) immediately.
- If you are taking migraine medication for more than 10 days a month, talk to your doctor about it.
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