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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)
    Frovatriptan (Frova)
  • Rizatriptan (Maxalt)
    Frovatriptan (Frova)

  • Summary of Maxalt vs. Frova

    Summary for Triptan
    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.

    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.

  • Indications of Maxalt vs. Frova

    Indications for
    •Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in people ages 6 years and older
    Indications for
    •Treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Maxalt vs. Frova

    Pros and Const for Triptan
    Pros
    •First-choice option for treating migraines
    •Can be used by children ages 6 years and older
    •Orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) a possible option for people who have problems swallowing
    •Works within 30 minutes
    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.
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Maxalt vs. Frova

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (4-9%)
    •Sleepiness (4-8%)
    •Tiredness (4-7%)
    •Nausea (4-6%)
    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%)

  • Warnings of Maxalt vs. Frova

    Common Side Effects for
    •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
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Maxalt vs. Frova

    Learn more about Rizatriptan
    Learn more about Frovatriptan

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