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Frovatriptan

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Take one dose at the start of a migraine attack. If your migraine is not eased after this first dose, do not take a second dose for the same attack. If your migraine goes away but then returns, you may take a second dose at least two hours after the initial dose. Do not take more than two doses in 24 hours.
Frovatriptan can cause drowsiness. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
You may experience sensations of pressure or tightness in any part of the body, including the throat and chest. These sensations may be strong but usually do not last long. If they continue or become intense, stop taking frovatriptan and contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Do not take migraine preparations containing ergotamine or methysergide within 24 hours of taking frovatriptan.

About frovatriptan

Type of medicine	5HT1 (5-hydroxytryptamine) agonist. It is also sometimes referred to as a 'triptan'
Used for	Treatment of migraine
Also called	Migard®
Available as	Tablets

It is thought that the widening of blood vessels in the brain causes the pain associated with migraine. Frovatriptan works by stimulating receptors called serotonin (or 5HT) receptors that are found in the brain. This causes the blood vessels to narrow and relieves the pain felt during a migraine.

Before taking frovatriptan

Before taking frovatriptan make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
If you suffer from heart problems.
If you have high blood pressure.
If you suffer from liver problems.
If you suffer from Prinzmetal's angina or circulatory problems such as Raynaud's disease.
If you have recently suffered a heart attack, stroke or TIA (sometimes known as a mini-stroke).
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

Note: frovatriptan is not suitable for under 18 year olds.

How to take frovatriptan

Before beginning your treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
Take frovatriptan exactly as directed by your doctor. Take one tablet with a drink of water as soon as possible at the beginning of your attack. If your migraine returns, you may take one further tablet providing it is at least two hours after the initial dose. Do not take more than two doses in 24 hours. If your migraine is not eased after the first dose do not take the second dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

Frovatriptan should not be used in combination with migraine treatments containing ergotamine or methysergide. Wait at least 24 hours between taking frovatriptan and any ergotamine or methysergide preparation and vice versa. If in doubt ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Frovatriptan should not be used in combination with another 5HT1 agonist such as almotriptan, eletriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan or zolmitriptan.
If you are having an increasing number of migraines or you find that frovatriptan does not relieve your migraine, make an appointment to see your doctor.
Before buying any medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside frovatriptan.

Can frovatriptan cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine	What can I do if I experience this
Dry mouth	Try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking pieces of ice or sugar-free sweets
Feeling or being sick, indigestion, abdominal pain	Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods
Dizziness, drowsiness, sight disturbances	Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see properly
Tingling, feeling hot, flushing, sweating, tiredness, fast and fluttering heartbeat, headache, tightness or pressure in throat or chest, and muscle weakness	If you are concerned about any of these, speak with your doctor

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store frovatriptan

Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Manufacturer's PIL, Migard® 2.5 mg film-coated tablets, A.Menarini Pharma U.K. S.R.L., electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated July 2008, accessed August 2009.
British National Formulary; 57th Edition (March 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

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Last Reviewed: 15 Sep 2009

Version: 22

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