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Fioricet vs. Frova

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine (formerly Fioricet) and Frova (frovatriptan) are both used to treat headaches, but they work in different ways and are used for different types of headaches. Fioricet is a combination medication that includes a barbiturate, an analgesic, and caffeine, and is used to treat tension headaches. It can be habit-forming and may cause side effects like sleepiness and dizziness. On the other hand, Frova is a triptan used to treat migraines by tightening blood vessels in the brain and stopping the release of pain-causing chemicals. Unlike Fioricet, Frova is not habit-forming and is only available as a tablet. Fioricet can be used by people as young as 12 years old, while Frova is not recommended for children under 18. Additionally, both medications are available in both generic and brand forms.

Fioricet

 

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Frovatriptan

(Frova)

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Summary for Fioricet

Prescription only

Fioricet is a combination medication containing butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine. It's taken by mouth as needed, typically every 4 hours, to treat tension headaches. But it's not a first-choice option because it can become habit-forming and can worsen headaches if taken too frequently. In addition, Fioricet can cause side effects, such as sleepiness and dizziness. It's available as pills and an oral syrup.

Indications for Fioricet

  • Tension headaches

Pros and Cons for Fioricet

Pros

  • Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
  • Combination of three medications in a single dosage form (e.g., pill, liquid), which is more convenient
  • Available in a liquid form as a fruit punch-flavored syrup
  • Can be used in people as young as 12 years old

Cons

  • Can cause misuse and physical dependence, so it's a controlled substance in some states
  • Not a first-choice medication for treating tension headaches
  • Might cause liver damage because of the acetaminophen
  • More difficult to customize the dose since it's a combination of three medications

Common Side Effects for Fioricet

  • Drowsiness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Dizziness
  • Loss of awareness (sedation)
  • Trouble breathing
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Feeling "high" (intoxicated)

Warnings for Fioricet

  • Liver damage
  • Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
  • Serious skin or allergic reactions
  • Misuse, dependence, and withdrawal

Summary for Frova

Prescription only

Frovatriptan (Frova) is one of the many triptans available for treating migraine. It's approved for adults who have migraines with or without aura. The dosage is a tablet that's swallowed whole when you have a migraine. You can take another tablet 2 hours later if the medication doesn't completely relieve your migraine. Side effects include dizziness, tiredness, and sometimes chest tightness. Frovatriptan (Frova) is available as a brand-name and generic medication.

Indications for Frova

Pros and Cons for Frova

Pros

Cons

  • Might not be a good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills whole during a migraine
  • Might take about 2 hours or longer to feel complete pain relief
  • Not recommended for children under 18 years old

Common Side Effects for Frova

  • Dizziness (8%)
  • Tiredness (5%)
  • Headache (4%)
  • "Pins and needles" feeling in the hands or legs (4%)
  • Flushing (4%)
  • Dry mouth (3%)
  • Hot or cold sensation (3%)
  • Bone pain (3%)
  • Indigestion (2%)
  • Chest pain (2%)

Warnings for Frova

  • Heart attack and chest pain (angina)
  • Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmias)
  • Stroke or other brain injury
  • Extreme narrowing of blood vessels
  • Worse headaches if you take frovatriptan (Frova) too often
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • High blood pressure
  • Allergic reaction

Prices with our coupons for Fioricet vs. Frova

Price Card Drug Icon
Butalbital/Acetaminophen/Caffeine30 tablets / 50mg/325mg/40mg
$13.04$24.05
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Price Card Drug Icon
Frovatriptan1 dose pack / 9 tablets of 2.5mg
$38.30$560.33
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