Compare Frova vs. Onzetra

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

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Frova (frovatriptan)

Prescription only

Onzetra (sumatriptan)

Prescription only
Treats migraine headaches.

Triptans are the first-choice to treat migraines. Frova (frovatriptan) works just as well as other triptans for migraines, but doesn't work for other types of headaches like cluster headaches.

Treats migraine headaches.

Onzetra (sumatriptan) is the only medicine that's available in a breath-powered nose powder to treat migraines. However, it can be expensive compared to other medicines.

Upsides
  • Frova (frovatriptan) is available in generic.
  • Unlike other similar medicines, you can take up to 3 tablets of Frova (frovatriptan) every 24 hours.
  • Frova (frovatriptan) is first choice of medicines for treatment of migraine headaches.
  • Compared to pills, Onzetra (sumatriptan) is better absorbed in the body and good if it's hard to take pills.
  • Onzetra (sumatriptan) is a first choice medicine to treat migraines.
  • There is a copay program available that can make Onzetra (sumatriptan) cheaper.
Downsides
  • Available as an oral tablet only, which may be difficult to swallow during bad migraine attack.
  • Doesn't prevent migraines.
  • Doesn't work for other types of headaches like cluster headaches.
  • Not recommended for children under 18 years old.
  • It can be very expensive. There are other forms of this same medicine that are much cheaper, including a nose spray.
  • You have to use two nosepieces to get the full dose of Onzetra (sumatriptan), which can be hard to remember.
  • Onzetra (sumatriptan) is only available in one strength.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Nasal powder
Price
Lowest price
$165.28
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Lowest price
$12.76
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Reviews
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Side effects
10possible side effects
  • Dizziness
    8%
  • Fatigue
    5%
  • Headache
    4%
  • Tingling or prickling sensation
    4%
  • Flushing
    4%
  • Dry mouth
    3%
  • Hot or cold sensation
    3%
  • Muscle pain
    3%
  • Indigestion
    2%
  • Chest pain
    2%
See more detailed side effects
4possible side effects
  • Changes in taste
    20%
  • Discomfort in the nose
    11%
  • Runny nose
    5%
  • Stuffy nose
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Heart attack
    • Heart disease
    • history of chest pain/angina
    • uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Stroke
    • History of a stroke
  • Medication overuse headache
    • Using Frova (frovatriptan) for more than 2 to 3 days a week or 10 days a month
  • Serotonin syndrome
    • Tricyclic antidepressants
    • Fentanyl
    • Tramadol
    • Buspirone
    • ADHD medicines
    • Triptans
  • Increased blood pressure
    • Uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Blood vessel issues
    • High blood pressure
    • history of stroke or heart attack
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Heart attack
    • Heart disease
    • History of chest pain
    • Uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Stroke
    • History of a stroke
  • Medication overuse headache
    • Using Onzetra (sumatriptan) for more than 10 days a month
  • Serotonin syndrome
    • Tricyclic antidepressants
    • Fentanyl
    • Tramadol
    • Buspirone
    • ADHD medicines
    • Triptans
  • Higher blood pressure
    • Uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Suicidal behavior
    • Taking medicines for seizures
  • Blood vessel issues
    • High blood pressure
    • History of stroke
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Frova (frovatriptan)
Learn more about Onzetra (sumatriptan)