Skip to main content

Compare
Maxalt vs. Frova

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

Key takeaways

Rizatriptan (Maxalt) and Frovatriptan (Frova) are both triptans used to treat migraines, but they have some key differences. Rizatriptan comes in both oral tablets and orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs), making it a good option if you have trouble swallowing pills. It can be used by children ages 6 and older, while Frovatriptan is only for adults. Frovatriptan is available only as a pill that must be swallowed and is not recommended for children under 18. Rizatriptan works within 30 minutes but is short-acting, whereas Frovatriptan works within 2 hours. Both medications can cause side effects like dizziness and tiredness, but Frovatriptan can also cause bone pain and dry mouth. Both medications have serious risks, including heart problems and serotonin syndrome, and should be used with caution if you have certain health conditions.

Rizatriptan

(Maxalt)

Get free coupons

Frovatriptan

(Frova)

Get free coupons

Summary for Maxalt

Prescription only

Rizatriptan (Maxalt) is used to treat migraines with or without aura in people ages 6 years and older. Rizatriptan (Maxalt) is available as a lower-cost generic tablet and an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) that's placed on the tongue. Common side effects include dizziness, headache, and sleepiness. It can interact with antidepressants and other similar migraine medications.

Indications for Maxalt

Pros and Cons for Maxalt

Pros

Cons

  • Can't use to prevent migraines
  • Is short-acting, so it might not last as long
  • Not clear if taking a second dose (adults only) is actually helpful
  • Your migraines can get worse if you use this medication too often.

Common Side Effects for Maxalt

  • Dizziness (4-9%)
  • Sleepiness (4-8%)
  • Tiredness (4-7%)
  • Nausea (4-6%)

Warnings for Maxalt

  • Heart problems and high blood pressure
  • Stroke or other brain injury
  • Extreme narrowing of blood vessels
  • Taking too much rizatriptan (Maxalt)
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - orally disintegrating tablets only

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 Maxalt vs. Frova

Price Card Drug Icon
Rizatriptan9 tablets / 10mg
$12.22$40.79
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Frovatriptan1 dose pack / 9 tablets of 2.5mg
$38.30$560.34
Get free coupons
More Information

Compare other Migraine drugs

Emgality vs. MaxaltImitrex vs. MaxaltMaxalt vs. AmergeMaxalt vs. AxertMaxalt vs. Cafergot
Maxalt vs. ErgotamineMaxalt vs. FioricetMaxalt vs. FrovaMaxalt vs. RelpaxMaxalt vs. TreximetMaxalt vs. ZomigReyvow vs. MaxaltAmerge vs. ZomigEmgality vs. ZomigFioricet vs. RelpaxFioricet vs. ZomigFiorinal vs. RelpaxFiorinal vs. ZomigFrova vs. ZomigImitrex vs. RelpaxImitrex vs. TreximetRelpax vs. AmergeRelpax vs. AxertRelpax vs. CafergotRelpax vs. ErgotamineRelpax vs. ZomigUbrelvy vs. RelpaxVyepti vs. ZomigZomig vs. AxertZomig vs. Cafergot

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.