Frovatriptan drug: Uses, indications and precautions when using

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Frovatriptan is a triptan drug developed by Vernalis as an aid in the treatment of migraine headaches. In order to help users avoid unnecessary dangerous side effects and complications, the article provides more information about what Frovatriptan does and what to watch out for when taking it.

1. What are the effects of Frovatriptan?

Frovatriptan is specifically indicated for the treatment of migraine headaches. Medicine to help relieve headaches and other migraine symptoms (including nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light/sound). In terms of pharmacokinetics, Frovatriptan belongs to the group of triptan drugs. This group affects a certain natural substance (serotonin) that causes narrowing of blood vessels in the brain. The drug can also relieve pain by affecting certain nerves in the brain. Frovatriptan's effects are local and do not prevent future migraines or reduce how often you get migraines.
Frovatriptan is also contraindicated in people with hypersensitivity to any of its ingredients.

2. Instructions for using Frovatriptan correctly

Patients should carefully read the instructions attached to the drug and talk to their doctor before using Frovatriptan. Usually, the medication is tolerated orally as directed by your doctor at the first sign of a migraine. Although, Frovatriptan can be taken with or before or after a meal, it may work faster when taken on an empty stomach. Depending on your medical condition and response to treatment, the dosage will be considered.
If your symptoms are only partially relieved or if your headache returns, the US manufacturer recommends that you take another dose after 2 hours, up to a maximum of 3 doses (7, 5 milligrams) over a 24-hour period. The Canadian manufacturer recommends that you may take another dose after 4 hours, up to a maximum of 2 doses (5 milligrams) in a 24-hour period. Therefore, carefully follow your doctor's instructions for using this medicine.
If you are in a group of people who are at high risk for heart problems, your doctor may check your heart's response before you start taking Frovatriptan. They may also instruct and ask you to take your first dose of Frovatriptan in the clinic to monitor for serious side effects (such as chest pain).

3. Frovatriptan side effects

It can be said that not all people using Frovatriptan will experience side effects. Therefore, always listen to your body, contact your doctor or medical facility immediately when there are any unusual changes including one of the following signs:
Occurrence of flushing, feeling tingling/numbness/stinging/heat, fatigue, dry mouth or dizziness. Check your blood pressure regularly and let your doctor know if the results are unusually high. Cold fingers/toes/blue nails, hands/feet, hearing changes, mental/mood changes. Symptoms of a heart attack, which may include chest/jaw/left arm pain, trouble breathing or unusual sweating, fast/irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, diarrhea bleeding, signs of stroke (such as weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes, confusion). Any symptoms of an allergic reaction include: Rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. Frovatriptan can increase serotonin and rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome/toxicity. The risk is increased if you are also taking other medications that increase serotonin. You should get medical help right away if any of the following symptoms occur: Heart palpitations, hallucinations, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, muscle twitching, fever unexplained, unusual agitation/restlessness.

4. Notes before using Frovatriptan

Before taking Frovatriptan, tell your doctor if you are
allergic to drugs or any other allergies. Your medical history, especially of: Circulatory problems (e.g., in the legs, arms/hands or stomach), certain types of headaches (hemiplegia or migraine) ), heart problems (such as chest pain, irregular heartbeat, previous heart attack), liver disease, seizures, stroke, or "mini-stroke" (transient ischemic attack) . Any condition: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, family history of heart disease, overweight, smoking, postmenopausal (women), over 40 years old (men). All products you use (including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy and lactation, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed and with the consent of your doctor.

5. Drug interactions

Drug interactions can change the way Frovatriptan works or increase your risk of serious side effects. This article does not cover all possible drug interactions. Therefore, you should keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share them with your doctor before you start using Frovatriptan. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.
The risk of serotonin syndrome/poisoning is increased if you are also taking other medications that increase serotonin. Examples include MDMA/"ecstasy", some antidepressants (including SSRIs such as fluoxetine/paroxetine, SNRIs such as duloxetine/venlafaxine).
If you are also taking any ergotamine (such as dihydroergotamine) or other "triptan" drugs (such as zolmitriptan, rizatriptan), you will need to separate the Frovatriptan dose by at least 24 hours from the dose. of these other medicines to reduce the risk of serious side effects.

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Reference source: webmd.com