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Frova vs. Axert

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

Key takeaways

Frovatriptan (Frova) and almotriptan (Axert) are both triptans used to treat migraines, but they have some differences. Frovatriptan is only available as a generic medication, while almotriptan is also available in a generic form. Frovatriptan is used for short-term treatment of migraines in adults, whereas almotriptan can be used in both adults and children 12 years or older. Both medications work within 2 hours, but frovatriptan has a maximum daily dose of 7.5 mg, while almotriptan's maximum is 25 mg. Frovatriptan is not FDA-approved for preventing migraines, but it can be used off-label for menstrual migraines, whereas almotriptan is not used for prevention at all. Both medications can cause serious side effects like heart attacks and strokes, but almotriptan also has a risk of severe allergic reactions in people allergic to sulfa medications.

Frovatriptan

(Frova)

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Almotriptan

 

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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

Summary for Axert

Prescription only

Almotriptan is a type of migraine medication called a triptan. It treats migraine with or without aura in adults and certain children age 12 to 17 years. Its brand name Axert has been discontinued, so almotriptan is now only available as a generic. Almotriptan is a tablet that's swallowed whole when a migraine starts. You can take another tablet at least 2 hours later if the medication doesn't completely relieve your migraine. Side effects include sleepiness and headache.

Indications for Axert

  • Treatment of migraine attacks in adults with a history of migraine with or without aura
  • Treatment of migraine pain in children age 12 to 17 years with a history of migraine with or without aura that lasts 4 hours or more

Pros and Cons for Axert

Pros

  • A first-choice option for treating a migraine attack in adults
  • Approved for certain children 12 years and older
  • Might start working as soon as 30 minutes after taking the 12.5 mg strength

Cons

  • Might not be a good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills whole during a migraine
  • Not used to prevent migraine or to treat other types of headaches
  • Must wait at least 2 hours to take another tablet if the first dose didn't fully relieve the migraine

Common Side Effects for Axert

Adults:

  • Nausea (1-2%)
  • Dry mouth (1%)
  • "Pins and needles" feeling in the arms or legs (1%)

Children age 12 years and older:

  • Sleepiness (up to 5%)
  • Dizziness (3-4%)
  • Nausea (1-3%)
  • Vomiting (up to 2%)
  • Headache (1-2%)
  • "Pins and needles" feeling in the arms or legs (1%)

Warnings for Axert

  • Heart attack, chest pain (angina), and irregular heart rhythm
  • Stroke or other brain injury
  • Extreme narrowing of blood vessels
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Worse headaches if you take almotriptan too often
  • High blood pressure
  • Serious allergic reaction

Prices with our coupons for Frova vs. Axert

Price Card Drug Icon
Frovatriptan1 dose pack / 9 tablets of 2.5mg
$38.30$560.30
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Price Card Drug Icon
Almotriptan1 dose pack / 12 tablets of 12.5mg
$133.66$410.45
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