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Compare Frova vs. Cafergot

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

Key takeaways

Frovatriptan (Frova) and ergotamine / caffeine (Migergot, formerly Cafergot) are both medications used to treat migraines, but they belong to different medication classes. Frovatriptan is a triptan, which works by tightening blood vessels in the brain and reducing swelling to relieve migraine pain. It is taken orally as a tablet. Ergotamine / caffeine is an ergot derivative combined with caffeine, which also tightens blood vessels and calms the brain to relieve headache pain. It is available as an oral tablet and a rectal suppository. Frovatriptan is FDA-approved for treating migraines with or without aura in adults, while ergotamine/caffeine is used for vascular headaches, including migraines and cluster headaches. Frovatriptan oral tablets can be taken up to three times in 24 hours, while ergotamine / caffeine oral tablets can be taken every 30 minutes as needed per headache episode, up to 6 tablets per episode and 10 tablets per week. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics. Common side effects of frovatriptan include dizziness and tiredness, whereas ergotamine / caffeine can cause nausea, vomiting and muscle pain. Both medications should not be taken with triptans within 24 hours.

  • Frovatriptan (Frova)
    Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine)
  • Frovatriptan (Frova)
    Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine)

  • Summary of Frova vs. Cafergot

    Summary for Triptan
    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.

    Summary for Ergot derivative / PDE inhibitor, nonselective
    Prescription only

    Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine) is used to treat cluster headaches and migraines in adults. It's available as a tablet that's taken by mouth, as well as a suppository that's inserted into the rectum. Typically, you take a dose as soon as you feel a headache coming on. But there's a limit to how many doses you can take each week because taking this medication too often can lead to serious side effects, such as vomiting and numbness. Brand name Cafergot is discontinued.

  • Indications of Frova vs. Cafergot

    Indications for
    •Treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults
    Indications for
    •Headache pain caused by swollen or widened blood vessels (vascular headaches)

  • Pros and Cons of Frova vs. Cafergot

    Pros and Const for Triptan
    Pros
    •A first-choice option for short-term treatment of migraines
    •Effects might last longer than other triptans
    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
    Pros and Const for Ergot derivative / PDE inhibitor, nonselective
    Pros
    •Suppository is a good option for people who've trouble swallowing pills
    •Tablet is available as a lower-cost generic
    •Can start to feel relief after a half hour (for the tablets) or an hour (for the suppository); and you may take an additional dose if no relief
    Cons
    •Not for daily or long-term use
    •Can't take while pregnant
    •Not safe for use for people with kidney or liver problems
    •Rectal suppository is brand name only and requires refrigeration

  • Common Side Effects of Frova vs. Cafergot

    Common Side Effects for
    •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%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea

  • Warnings of Frova vs. Cafergot

    Common Side Effects for
    •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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dangerously low blood flow to your brain and limbs
    •Fibrosis (scarring)
    •Allergic reaction to yellow dye

  • Prices with our coupons for Frova vs. Cafergot

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