Frova and Heart Problems

There are several potential side effects of Frova, and heart problems appear to be one of them. During clinical studies, heart problems, such as a heart attack, changes in heart rhythm, and cardiac arrest, were reported as possible side effects of Frova. This risk of heart problems, however, is greater in people who have a history of heart disease or in those who have risk factors for heart disease.

An Overview of Frova and Heart Problems

Frova® (frovatriptan succinate) is a prescription medication used to treat migraine headaches. It is part of a class of migraine medications known as 5-HT agonists (or more commonly as "triptans").
 
As with any medicine, there are a number of side effects that can occur with Frova. Heart problems are one of them. For this reason, people who have a history of heart problems should not take Frova. For those people who have risk factors for heart problems, Frova should be used with caution.
 

Heart Problems With Frova -- What's the Risk?

It is thought that heart problems occur with Frova because the medication can cause the blood vessels of the heart (known as coronary arteries) to spasm. This spasm narrows the blood vessels and decreases the amount of oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood that is able to get to the heart muscle.
 
In clinical studies that looked at both the benefits and risks of Frova, heart problems were seen in rare cases (less than 1 percent of people taking the medication). This risk, however, was greater in those who had a history of heart disease or those who had risk factors for heart disease. Heart problems were often quite serious and in some cases even resulted in loss of life. Heart problems seen with Frova included:
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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