FROVA*(frovatriptan succinate) tablets contain frovatriptan succinate, a selective 5-hydroxy-tryptamine1 (5-HT_1B/1D) receptor subtype agonist, as the active ingredient. Frovatriptan succinate is chemically designated as R-(+) 3-methylamino-6-carboxamido-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrocarbazole monosuccinate monohydrate

The empirical formula is C₁₄H₁₇N₃O.C₄H₆O₄.H₂O, representing a molecular weight of 379.4 and it has the following structure:

Frovatriptan succinate is a white to off-white powder that is soluble in water. Each FROVA tablet for oral administration contains 3.91 mg frovatriptan succinate, equivalent to 2.5 mg of frovatriptan base. Each tablet also contains the inactive ingredients lactose NF, microcrystalline cellulose NF, colloidal silicon dioxide NF, sodium starch glycolate NF, magnesium stearate NF, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose USP, polyethylene glycol 3000 USP, triacetin USP, and titanium dioxide USP.

*FROVA is a trademark of Elan Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

FROVA is indicated for the acute treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults. FROVA is not intended for the prophylactic therapy of migraine or for use in the management of hemiplegic or basilar migraine (see CONTRAINDICATIONS). The safety and effectiveness of FROVA have not been established for cluster headache, which is present in an older, predominantly male, population.

The recommended dose is a single tablet of FROVA (frovatriptan 2.5 mg) taken orally with fluids.

If the headache recurs after initial relief, a second tablet may be taken, providing there is an interval of at least 2 hours between doses. The total daily dose of frovatriptan should not exceed 3 tablets (3 x 2.5 mg per day).

There is no evidence that a second dose of frovatriptan is effective in patients who do not respond to a first dose of the drug for the same headache. The safety of treating an average of more than 4 migraine attacks in a 30-day period has not been established.

FROVA tablets, containing 2.5 mg of frovatriptan (base) as the succinate, are available as round, white, film-coated tablets with 77 on one side and the "e" logo on the other side. The tablets are available in:

Blister card of 9 tablets, 1 blister card per carton (NDC 63481-025-09)

Store at controlled room temperature, 25°C (77°F) excursions permitted to 15 - 30°C (59°F - 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature], Protect from moisture and light.

U.S. Patent Nos 5,962,501, 5,827,871, 5,637,611 and 5,464,864 and 5,616,603.

Rx Only

Manufactured for:
Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Chadds Ford, PA 19317

Manufactured by:
Pharmaceutical Development and
Manufacturing Services Limited (PDMS)
Craigavon, BT63 5UA, UK
FROVA is a registered trademark of Vernalis Development Limited.
© 2004 Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc.
3000-00 /August, 2004

Incidence in Controlled Clinical Trials: Among 1554 patients treated with FROVA in four placebo-controlled trials (Trials 1, 3, 4 and 5 in Table 1), only 1% (16) patients withdrew because of treatment-emergent adverse events. In a long term, open-label study where patients were allowed to treat multiple migraine attacks with FROVA for up to 1 year, 5% (26/496) patients discontinued due to treatment-emergent adverse events.

The treatment-emergent adverse events that occurred most frequently following administration of frovatriptan 2.5 mg (i.e., in at least 2% of patients), and at an incidence ≥1% greater than with placebo, in the four placebo-controlled trials were dizziness, paresthesia, headache, dry mouth, fatigue, flushing, hot or cold sensation and chest pain.

Table 2 lists treatment-emergent adverse events reported within 48 hours of drug administration that occurred with frovatriptan 2.5 mg at an incidence of ≥2% and more often than on placebo, in the first attack in four placebo-controlled trials (Trials 1, 3, 4 and 5 in Table 1). These studies involved 2392 patients (1554 frovatriptan 2.5 mg and 838 placebo). The events cited reflect experience gained under closely monitored conditions of clinical trials in a highly selected patient population. In actual clinical practice or in other clinical trials, these incidence estimates may not apply, as the conditions of use, reporting behavior, and the kinds of patients treated may differ.

Other events that occurred at ≥2% on frovatriptan that were equally or more common in the placebo group were somnolence and nausea. FROVA is generally well tolerated. The incidence of adverse events in clinical trials did not increase when up to 3 doses were used within 24 hours. The majority of adverse events were mild or moderate and transient. The incidence of adverse events in four placebo-controlled clinical trials was not affected by gender, age or concomitant medications commonly used by migraine patients. There were insufficient data to assess the impact of race on the incidence of adverse events.

Other Events Observed in Association with FROVA: In the paragraphs that follow, the incidence of less commonly reported adverse events in four placebo-controlled trials are presented. Variability associated with adverse event reporting, the terminology used to describe adverse events etc, limit the value of the incidence estimates provided. The incidence of each adverse event is calculated as the number of patients reporting the event at least once divided by the number of patients who used FROVA. All adverse events reported within 48 hours of drug administration in the first attack in four placebo-controlled trials involving 2392 patients (1554 frovatriptan 2.5 mg and 838 placebo) are included, except those already listed in Table 2, those too general to be informative, those not reasonably associated with the use of the drug and those which occurred at the same or a greater incidence in the placebo group. Events are further classified within body system categories and enumerated in order of decreasing frequency using the following definitions: frequent adverse events are those occurring in at least 1/100 patients, infrequent adverse events are those occurring in between 1/100 and 1/1000 patients, and rare adverse events are those occurring in fewer than 1/1000 patients.

Central and peripheral nervous system: Frequent: dysesthesia and hypoesthesia.

Infrequent: tremor, hyperesthesia, migraine aggravated, involuntary muscle contractions, vertigo, ataxia, abnormal gait and speech disorder. Rare: hypertonia, hypotonia, abnormal reflexes and tongue paralysis.

Gastrointestinal: Frequent: vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Infrequent: dysphagia, flatulence, constipation, anorexia, esophagospasm and increased salivation. Rare: change in bowel habits, cheilitis, eructation, gastroesophageal reflux, hiccup, peptic ulcer, salivary gland pain, stomatitis and toothache.

Body as a whole: Frequent: pain. Infrequent: asthenia, rigors, fever, hot flushes and malaise. Rare: feeling of relaxation, leg pain and edema mouth.

Psychiatric: Frequent: insomnia and anxiety. Infrequent: confusion, nervousness, agitation, euphoria, impaired concentration, depression, emotional lability, amnesia, thinking abnormal and depersonalization. Rare: depression aggravated, abnormal dreaming and personality disorder.

Musculoskeletal: Infrequent: myalgia, back pain, arthralgia, arthrosis, leg cramps and muscle weakness.

Respiratory: Frequent: sinusitis and rhinitis. Infrequent: pharyngitis, dyspnea, hyperventilation and laryngitis.

Vision disorders: Frequent: vision abnormal. Infrequent: eye pain, conjunctivitis and abnormal lacrimation.

Skin and appendages: Frequent: sweating increased. Infrequent: pruritis, and bullous eruption.

Hearing and vestibular disorders: Frequent: tinnitus. Infrequent: ear ache, and hyperacusis.

Heart rate and rhythm: Frequent: palpitation. Infrequent: tachycardia. Rare: bradycardia.

Metabolic and nutritional disorders: Infrequent: thirst and dehydration. Rare: hypocalcemia and hypoglycemia.

Special senses, other disorders: Infrequent: taste perversion.

Urinary system disorders: Infrequent: micturition frequency and polyuria. Rare: nocturia, renal pain and abnormal urine.

Cardiovascular disorders, general: Infrequent: abnormal ECG.

Platelet, bleeding and clotting disorders: Infrequent: epistaxis. Rare: purpura.

Autonomic nervous system: Rare: syncope.

Although the abuse potential of FROVA has not been specifically assessed in clinical trials, no abuse of, tolerance to, withdrawal from, or drug-seeking behavior was observed in patients who received FROVA. The 5-HT₁ agonists, as a class, have not been associated with drug abuse.

Ergot-containing drugs have been reported to cause prolonged vasospastic reactions. Due to a theoretical risk of a pharmacodynamic interaction, use of ergotamine-containing or ergot-type medications (like dihydroergotamine or methysergide) and FROVA within 24 hours of each other should be avoided (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

Concomitant use of other 5-HT_1B/1D agonists within 24 hours of FROVA treatment is not recommended (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (e.g., fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline) have been reported, rarely, to cause weakness, hyperreflexia, and incoordination when coadministered with 5-HT₁ agonists. If concomitant treatment with frovatriptan and an SSRI is clinically warranted, appropriate observation of the patient is advised.

FROVA is not known to interfere with commonly employed clinical laboratory tests.

FROVA should only be used where a clear diagnosis of migraine has been established.

Risk of Myocardial Ischemia and/or Infarction and Other Adverse Cardiac Events: Because of the potential of this class of compound (5-HT₁ agonists) to cause coronary vasospasm, frovatriptan should not be given to patients with documented ischemic or vasospastic coronary artery disease (CAD) (see CONTRAINDICATIONS). It is strongly recommended that frovatriptan not be given to patients in whom unrecognized CAD is predicted by the presence of risk factors (e.g., hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, smoker, obesity, diabetes, strong family history of CAD, female with surgical or physiological menopause, or male over 40 years of age) unless a cardiovascular evaluation provides satisfactory clinical evidence that the patient is reasonably free of coronary artery and ischemic myocardial disease or other significant underlying cardiovascular disease. The sensitivity of cardiac diagnostic procedures to detect cardiovascular disease or predisposition to coronary artery vasospasm is modest, at best. If, during the cardiovascular evaluation, the patients medical history, electrocardiographic, or other investigations reveal findings indicative of, or consistent with, coronary artery vasospasm or myocardial ischemia, frovatriptan should not be administered (see CONTRAINDICATIONS). For patients with risk factors predictive of CAD, who are determined to have a satisfactory cardiovascular evaluation, it is strongly recommended that administration of the first dose of frovatriptan take place in the setting of a physicians office or similar medically staffed and equipped facility unless the patient has previously received frovatriptan. Because cardiac ischemia can occur in the absence of clinical symptoms, consideration should be given to obtaining on the first occasion of use an electrocardiogram (ECG) during the interval immediately following administration of FROVA in these patients with risk factors.

It is recommended that patients who are intermittent long-term users of 5-HT₁ agonists, including FROVA, and who have or acquire risk factors predictive of CAD, as described above, undergo periodic cardiovascular evaluation as they continue to use FROVA.

The systematic approach described above is intended to reduce the likelihood that patients with unrecognized cardiovascular disease would be inadvertently exposed to frovatriptan.

Cardiac Events and Fatalities with 5-HT₁ Agonists: Serious adverse cardiac events, including acute myocardial infarction, life-threatening disturbances of cardiac rhythm and death have been reported within a few hours of administration of 5-HT₁ agonists.

Considering the extent of use of 5-HT₁ agonists in patients with migraine, the incidence of these events is extremely low.

Premarketing Experience with Frovatriptan: Among more than 3000 patients with migraine who participated in premarketing clinical trials of FROVA, no deaths or serious cardiac events were reported which were related to the use of FROVA.

Cerebrovascular Events and Fatalities with 5-HT₁ Agonists: Cerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, stroke and other cerebrovascular events have been reported in patients treated with 5-HT₁ agonists; and some have resulted in fatalities. In a number of cases, it appears possible that the cerebrovascular events were primary, the agonist having been administered in the incorrect belief that the symptoms experienced were a consequence of migraine, when they were not. It should be noted that patients with migraine may be at increased risk of certain cerebrovascular events (e.g. stroke, hemorrhage, transient ischemic attack).

Other Vasospasm-Related Events: 5-HT₁ agonists may cause vasospastic reactions other than coronary artery spasm. Both peripheral vascular ischemia and colonic ischemia with abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea have been reported with 5-HT₁ agonists.

Effects on Blood Pressure: In young healthy subjects, there were statistically significant increases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure after single doses of 80 mg frovatriptan (32 times the clinical dose) and above. These increases were transient, resolved spontaneously and were not clinically significant. At the recommended dose of 2.5 mg, transient changes in systolic blood pressure were recorded in some elderly subjects (65-77 years). Any increases were generally small, resolved spontaneously, and blood pressure remained within the normal range. Frovatriptan is contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled hypertension (See CONTRAINDICATIONS).

An 18% increase in mean pulmonary artery pressure was seen following dosing with another 5-HT₁ agonist in a study evaluating subjects undergoing cardiac catheterization.

General: As with other 5-HT₁ agonists, sensations of pain, tightness, pressure and heavi-ness have been reported in the chest, throat, neck and jaw after treatment with FROVA. These events have not been associated with arrhythmias or ischemic ECG changes in clinical trials with FROVA. Because 5-HT₁ agonists may cause coronary vasospasm, patients who experience signs or symptoms suggestive of angina following dosing should be evaluated for the presence of CAD. Patients shown to have CAD and those with Prinzmetals variant angina should not receive 5-HT₁ agonists (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

Patients who experience other symptoms or signs suggestive of decreased arterial flow, such as ischemic bowel syndrome or Raynauds syndrome following the use of any 5-HT₁ agonist are candidates for further evaluation. If a patient has no response for the first migraine attack treated with FROVA, the diagnosis of migraine should be reconsidered before frovatriptan is administered to treat any subsequent attacks.

Hepatically Impaired Patients: There is no clinical or pharmacokinetic experience with FROVA in patients with severe hepatic impairment. The AUC of frovatriptan in patients with mild (Child-Pugh 5-6) to moderate (Child-Pugh 7-9) hepatic impairment was about twice that of young, healthy subjects, but within the range observed in healthy elderly subjects and was considerably lower than the values attained with higher doses of frovatriptan (up to 40 mg), which were not associated with any serious adverse effects. Therefore, no dosage adjustment is necessary when FROVA is given to patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Special Populations).

Binding to Melanin-Containing Tissues: When pigmented rats were given a single oral dose of 5 mg/kg of radiolabeled frovatriptan, the radioactivity in the eye after 28 days was 87% of the value measured after 8 hours. This suggests that frovatriptan and/or its metabolites may bind to the melanin of the eye. Because there could be accumulation in melanin rich tissues over time, this raises the possibility that frovatriptan could cause toxicity in these tissues after extended use. However, no effects on the retina related to treatment with frovatriptan were noted in the toxicity studies. Although no systematic monitoring of ophthalmologic function was undertaken in clinical trials and no specific recommendations for ophthalmologic monitoring are made, prescribers should be aware of the possibility of long-term ophthalmologic effects.

INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS

Physicians should instruct their patients to read the patient package insert before taking FROVA. See PATIENT INFORMATION at the end of this labeling for the text of the separate leaflet provided for patients.

No specific laboratory tests are recommended for monitoring patients prior to and/or after treatment with FROVA.

Carcinogenesis: The carcinogenic potential of frovatriptan was evaluated in an 84-week study in mice (4, 13, and 40 mg/kg/day), a 104-week study in rats (8.5, 27 and 85 mg/kg/day), and a 26-week study in p53(+/-) transgenic mice (20, 62.5, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day). Although the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was not achieved in the 84-week mouse study and in female rats, exposures at the highest doses studied were many fold greater than those achieved at the maximum recommended daily human dose (MRHD) of 7.5 mg. There were no increases in tumor incidence in the 84-week mouse study at doses producing 140 times the exposure achieved at the MRHD based on blood AUC comparisons. In the rat study, there was a statistically significant increase in the incidence of pituitary adenomas in males only at 85 mg/kg/day, a dose that produced 250 times the exposure achieved at the MRHD based on AUC comparisons. In the 26-week p53(+/-) transgenic mouse study, there was an increased incidence of subcutaneous sarcomas in females dosed at 200 and 400 mg/kg/day, or 390 and 630 times the human exposure based on AUC comparisons. The incidence of sarcomas was not increased at lower doses that achieved exposures 180 and 60 times the human exposure. These sarcomas were physically associated with subcutaneously implanted animal identification transponders. There were no other increases in tumor incidence of any type in any dose group. These sarcomas are not considered to be relevant to humans.

Mutagenesis: Frovatriptan was clastogenic in human lymphocyte cultures, in the absence of metabolic activation. In the bacterial reverse mutation assay (Ames test), frovatriptan produced an equivocal response in the absence of metabolic activation. No mutagenic or clas-togenic activities were seen in an in vitro mouse lymphoma assay, an in vivo mouse bone marrow micronucleus test, or an ex vivo assay for unscheduled DNA synthesis in rat liver.

Impairment of Fertility: Male and female rats were dosed prior to and during mating, and up to implantation, at doses of 100, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day (equivalent to approximately 130, 650 and 1300 times the MRHD on a mg/m² basis). At all dose levels there was an increase in the number of females that mated on the first day of pairing compared to control animals. This occurred in conjunction with a prolongation of the estrous cycle. In addition females had a decreased mean number of corpora lutea, and consequently a lower number of live fetuses per litter, which suggested a partial impairment of ovulation. There were no other fertility-related effects.

When pregnant rats were administered frovatriptan during the period of organogenesis at oral doses of 100, 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day (equivalent to 130, 650 and 1300 times the maximum recommended human dose [MRHD] on a mg/m² basis) there were dose related increases in incidences of both litters and total numbers of fetuses with dilated ureters, unilateral and bilateral pelvic cavitation, hydronephrosis, and hydroureters. A no-effect dose for renal effects was not established. This signifies a syndrome of related effects on a specific organ in the developing embryo in all treated groups, which is consistent with a slight delay in fetal maturation. This delay was also indicated by a treatment related increased incidence of incomplete ossification of the sternebrae, skull and nasal bones in all treated groups. Slightly lower fetal weights and an increased incidence of early embryonic deaths in treated rats were observed; although not statistically significant compared to control, the latter effect occurred in both the embryo-fetal developmental study and in the prenatal-postnatal developmental study. There was no evidence of this latter effect at the lowest dose level studied, 100 mg/kg/day (equivalent to 130 times the MRHD on a mg/m² basis). When pregnant rabbits were dosed throughout organogenesis at doses up to 80 mg/kg/day (equivalent to 210 times the MRHD on a mg/m² basis) no effects on fetal development were observed.

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women; therefore, frovatriptan should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

It is not known whether frovatriptan is excreted in human milk. Frovatriptan and/or its metabolites are excreted in the milk of lactating rats with the maximum concentration being four-fold higher than that seen in blood. Therefore, caution should be exercised when considering the administration of FROVA to a nursing woman.

Safety and effectiveness of FROVA in pediatric patients have not been established; therefore, FROVA is not recommended for use in patients under 18 years of age. Post-marketing experience with other triptans includes a limited number of reports that describe pediatric patients who have experienced clinically serious adverse events that are similar in nature to those reported rarely in adults.

Mean blood concentrations of frovatriptan in elderly subjects were 1.5- to 2-times higher than those seen in younger adults (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Special Populations). Because migraine occurs infrequently in the elderly, clinical experience with FROVA is limited in such patients.

There is no direct experience of any patient taking an overdose of FROVA. The maximum single dose of frovatriptan given to male and female patients with migraine was 40 mg (16 times the clinical dose) and the maximum single dose given to healthy male subjects was 100 mg (40 times the clinical dose) without significant adverse events.

As with other 5-HT₁ receptor agonists, there is no specific antidote for frovatriptan. The elimination half-life of frovatriptan is 26 hours, therefore if overdose occurs, the patient should be monitored closely for at least 48 hours and be given any necessary symptomatic treatment.

The effects of hemo- or peritoneal dialysis on blood concentrations of frovatriptan are unknown.

FROVA should not be given to patients with ischemic heart disease (e.g. angina pectoris, history of myocardial infarction, or documented silent ischemia), or to patients who have symptoms or findings consistent with ischemic heart disease, coronary artery vasospasm, including Prinzmetals variant angina or other significant underlying cardiovascular disease (see WARNINGS).

FROVA should not be given to patients with cerebrovascular syndromes including (but not limited to) strokes of any type as well as transient ischemic attacks.

FROVA should not be given to patients with peripheral vascular disease including (but is not limited to) ischemic bowel disease (see WARNINGS).

FROVA should not be given to patients with uncontrolled hypertension (see WARNINGS). FROVA should not be administered to patients with hemiplegic or basilar migraine.

FROVA should not be used within 24 hours of treatment with another 5-HT₁ agonist, an ergotamine containing or ergot-type medication such as dihydroergotamine (DHE) or methysergide.

FROVA is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to frovatriptan or any of the inactive ingredients in the tablets.

Frovatriptan is a 5-HT receptor agonist that binds with high affinity for 5-HT_1B and 5-HT_1D receptors. Frovatriptan has no significant effects on GABAA mediated channel activity and has no significant affinity for benzodiazepine binding sites.

Frovatriptan is believed to act on extracerebral, intracranial arteries and to inhibit excessive dilation of these vessels in migraine. In anesthetized dogs and cats, intravenous administration of frovatriptan produced selective constriction of the carotid vascular bed and had no effect on blood pressure (both species) or coronary resistance (in dogs).

Mean maximum blood concentrations (C_max) in patients are achieved approximately 2-4 hours after administration of a single oral dose of frovatriptan 2.5 mg. The absolute bioavailability of an oral dose of frovatriptan 2.5 mg in healthy subjects is about 20% in males and 30% in females. Food has no significant effect on the bioavailability of frovatriptan, but delays t_max by one hour.

Binding of frovatriptan to serum proteins is low (approximately 15%). Reversible binding to blood cells at equilibrium is approximately 60%, resulting in a blood:plasma ratio of about 2:1 in both males and females. The mean steady state volume of distribution of frovatriptan following intravenous administration of 0.8 mg is 4.2 L/kg in males and 3.0 L/kg in females.

In vitro, cytochrome P450 1A2 appears to be the principal enzyme involved in the metabolism of frovatriptan. Following administration of a single oral dose of radio-labeled frovatriptan 2.5 mg to healthy male and female subjects, 32% of the dose was recovered in urine and 62% in feces. Radiolabeled compounds excreted in urine were unchanged frovatriptan, hydroxylated frovatriptan, N-acetyl desmethyl frovatriptan, hydroxylated N-acetyl desmethyl frovatriptan and desmethyl frovatriptan, together with several other minor metabolites. Desmethyl frovatriptan has lower affinity for 5-HT_1B/1D receptors compared to the parent compound. The N-acetyl desmethyl metabolite has no significant affinity for 5-HT receptors. The activity of the other metabolites is unknown. After an intravenous dose, mean clearance of frovatriptan was 220 and 130 mL/min in males and females, respectively. Renal clearance accounted for about 40% (82 mL/min) and 45% (60 mL/min) of total clearance in males and females, respectively. The mean terminal elimination half-life of frovatriptan in both males and females is approximately 26 hours.

The pharmacokinetics of frovatriptan are similar in migraine patients and healthy subjects.

Age: Mean AUC of frovatriptan was 1.5- to 2-fold higher in healthy elderly subjects (age 65-77 years) compared to those in healthy younger subjects (age 21-37 years).

There was no difference in t_max or t_1/2 between the two populations.

Gender: There was no difference in the mean terminal elimination half-life of frovatriptan in males and females. Bioavailability was higher, and systemic exposure to frovatriptan was approximately 2-fold greater, in females than males, irrespective of age. Renal Impairment: Since less than 10% of FROVA is excreted in urine after an oral dose, it is unlikely that the exposure to frovatriptan will be affected by renal impairment. The pharmacokinetics of frovatriptan following a single oral dose of 2.5 mg was not different in patients with renal impairment (5 males and 6 females, creatinine clearance 16-73 mL/min) and in subjects with normal renal function.

Hepatic Impairment: There is no clinical or pharmacokinetic experience with FROVA in patients with severe hepatic impairment. The AUC in subjects with mild (Child-Pugh 5-6) to moderate (Child-Pugh 7-9) hepatic impairment is about twice as high as the AUC in young, healthy subjects, but within the range found among normal elderly subjects. Race: The effect of race on the pharmacokinetics of frovatriptan has not been examined.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Frovatriptan is not an inhibitor of human monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes or cytochrome P450 (isozymes 1A2, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1, 3A4) in vitro at concentrations up to 250 to 500-fold higher than the highest blood concentrations observed in man at a dose of 2.5 mg. No induction of drug metabolizing enzymes was observed following multiple dosing of frovatriptan to rats or on addition to human hepatocytes in vitro. Although no clinical studies have been performed, it is unlikely that frovatriptan will affect the metabolism of co-administered drugs metabolized by these mechanisms.

Oral contraceptives: Retrospective analysis of pharmacokinetic data from females across trials indicated that the mean C_max and AUC of frovatriptan are 30% higher in those subjects taking oral contraceptives compared to those not taking oral contraceptives.

Ergotamine: The AUC and C_max of frovatriptan (2 x 2.5 mg dose) were reduced by approximately 25% when co-administered with ergotamine tartrate.

Propranolol: Propranolol increased the AUC of frovatriptan 2.5 mg in males by 60% and in females by 29%. The C_max of frovatriptan was increased 23% in males and 16% in females in the presence of propranolol. The t_max as well as half-life of frovatriptan, though slightly longer in the females, were not affected by concomitant administration of propranolol.

Moclobemide: The pharmacokinetic profile of frovatriptan was unaffected when a single oral dose of frovatriptan 2.5 mg was administered to healthy female subjects receiving the MAO-A inhibitor, moclobemide, at an oral dose of 150 mg bid for 8 days.

The efficacy of FROVA in the acute treatment of migraine headaches was demonstrated in five randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, outpatient trials. Two of these were dose-finding studies in which patients were randomized to receive doses of frovatriptan ranging from 0.5-40 mg. The three studies evaluating only one dose studied 2.5 mg. In these controlled short-term studies combined, patients were predominately female (88%) and Caucasian (94%) with a mean age of 42 years (range 18-69). Patients were instructed to treat a moderate to severe headache. Headache response, defined as a reduction in headache severity from moderate or severe pain to mild or no pain, was assessed for up to 24 hours after dosing. The associated symptoms nausea, vomiting, photophobia and phonophobia were also assessed. Maintenance of response was assessed for up to 24 hours post dose. In two of the trials a second dose of FROVA was provided after the initial treatment, to treat recurrence of the headache within 24 hours. Other medication, excluding other 5-HT₁ agonists and ergotamine containing compounds, was permitted from 2 hours after the first dose of FROVA. The frequency and time to use of additional medications were also recorded. In all five placebo-controlled trials, the percentage of patients achieving a headache response 2 hours after treatment was significantly greater for those taking FROVA compared to those taking placebo (Table 1).

Lower doses of frovatriptan (1 mg or 0.5 mg) were not effective at 2 hours. Higher doses (5 mg to 40 mg) of frovatriptan showed no added benefit over 2.5 mg but did cause a greater incidence of adverse events.

In patients with migraine-associated nausea, photophobia and phonophobia at baseline there was a decreased incidence of these symptoms in FROVA treated patients compared to placebo.

Efficacy was unaffected by a history of aura; gender; age; or concomitant medications commonly used by migraine patients.

FROVA^TM (frovatriptan succinate) Tablets

Read this information before you start taking FROVA (FRO-va). Also, read the information each time you renew your prescription, in case anything has changed. This leaflet does not contain all of the information about FROVA. For further information or advice ask your doctor or pharmacist. You and your doctor should discuss FROVA before you start taking the medicine and at regular checkups.

FROVA is a prescription medicine used to treat migraine attacks in adults. It is in the class of drugs called selective serotonin receptor agonists. FROVA should only be taken for a migraine headache. Do not use FROVA to treat headaches that might be caused by other conditions. Tell your doctor about your symptoms. Your doctor will decide if you have migraine headaches and if FROVA is for you. There is more information about migraine at the end of this leaflet.

Do not take FROVA if you:

* have uncontrolled high blood pressure

* have heart disease or a history of heart disease

* have hemiplegic or basilar migraine (if you are not sure about this, ask your doctor)

* have had a stroke

* have circulation (blood flow) problems

* have taken a similar drug (a serotonin receptor agonist) in the last 24 hours. These include sumatriptan (IMITREX^® ), naratriptan (AMERGE^® ) zolmitriptan (ZOMIG^® ), rizatriptan (MAXALT^® ), or almotriptan (AXERTTM)

* have taken ergotamine type medicines in the last 24 hours. These include BELLERGAL®, CAFERGOT®, ERGOMAR^®, WIGRAINE^®, DHE 45^®, or SANSERT^®

* have any allergic reaction to the tablet

To help your doctor decide if FROVA is right for you, tell your doctor if you:

* are pregnant^, or planning to become pregnant

* are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed
* have any history of chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations
* have any risk factors for heart disease, including

- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- high cholesterol
- overweight
- smoking
- a family history of heart disease
- past menopause
- male over 40 years old
- are taking any other medicine, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, and herbal supplements

* have any past or present medical problems
* have previous allergies to any medicine Tell your doctor if you take
* propranolol
* selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac® (fluoxetine), Luvox® (fluvoxamine), Paxil® (paroxetine), and Zoloft® (sertraline) These medicines may affect how FROVA works, or FROVA may affect how these medicines work.

* Take one FROVA tablet anytime after the start of your migraine headache.

* If your headache comes back after your first dose, you may take a second tablet after two (2) hours. Do not take more than three (3) FROVA tablets in a 24-hour period.

* If you take too much medicine, contact your doctor, hospital emergency department, or poison control center right away.

The most common side effects associated with use of FROVA are:
* dizziness
* fatigue (tiredness)
* headache (other than a migraine headache)
* paresthesia (feeling of tingling)
* dry mouth
* flushing (hot flashes)
* feeling hot or cold
* chest pain
* dyspepsia (indigestion)
* skeletal pain (pain in joints or bones)

Tell your doctor about any symptoms that you develop while taking FROVA. If you feel dizziness or fatigue, take extra care or avoid driving and operating machinery.

In very rare cases, patients taking this class of medicines experience serious heart problems, stroke, or increased blood pressure. If you develop pain, tightness, heaviness, or pressure in your chest, throat, neck, or jaw, contact your doctor right away. Also contact your doctor right away if you develop a rash or itching after taking FROVA. You may be allergic to this medicine.

Migraine is an intense, throbbing headache that often affects one side of the head. It often includes nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. The pain and symptoms from a migraine headache may be worse than the pain and symptoms of a common headache. Migraine headaches usually last for hours or longer.

Some people have problems with vision (an aura) before they get a migraine headache. These include flashing lights, wavy lines, and dark spots.

Only your doctor can determine that your headache is a migraine headache, so it is important that you discuss all of your symptoms with your doctor.

Manufactured under license from Vernalis Limited., FROVA is a trademark of Vernalis Development Limited.
© 2002 Elan Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.

FROVATRIPTAN - ORAL

(froh-vuh-TRIP-tan)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Frova

USES: Frovatriptan is used to treat migraines. It helps to relieve headaches, pain and other symptoms of migraines, including sensitivity to light/sound, nausea, and vomiting. Prompt treatment allows you to get back to your normal routine and may decrease your need for other pain medications. Frovatriptan does not prevent future migraines or reduce how often you may get a headache.

Frovatriptan belongs to a group of drugs called triptans. It affects a certain natural chemical (serotonin) that constricts blood vessels in the brain. It may also block other pain pathways in the brain.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist before you start using frovatriptan and each time you get a refill. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Take this medication by mouth at the first sign of a migraine, or as directed by your doctor. It may be taken with or without food, although faster relief may occur when it is taken on an empty stomach. Do not take frovatriptan to prevent a migraine. If there is no improvement in your symptoms, do not take any more doses of this medication before talking to your doctor.

If your symptoms are only partly relieved, or if your headache comes back, you may take a second dose after 2 hours or as directed by your doctor. Do not take more than 7.5 milligrams (3 doses) in a 24-hour period.

If you have never taken this medication before and you have risk factors for heart disease (see Precautions), you may be advised to take your first dose in your doctor's office in order to monitor for rare but serious heart problems (e.g., heart attack).

Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Flushing, sensations of tingling/numbness/prickling/heat, weakness, stomach upset, dry mouth, drowsiness, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Chest/jaw/neck tightness can commonly occur shortly after using frovatriptan. Only rarely are these signs of a serious condition. However, you may not be able to tell this apart from a serious reaction related to a lack of blood flow to the heart, brain or other parts of the body. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these unlikely but very serious (rarely fatal) side effects occur: chest pain, jaw/left arm pain, fainting, fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat, vision changes, weakness on one side of the body, confusion, slurred speech, sudden or severe stomach/abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: blue fingers/toes/nails, cold sensation of hands/feet, hearing changes, mental/mood changes.

This medication may rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome. The risk increases when this medication is taken with certain other drugs such as other "triptans" used to treat migraine headaches (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan), certain antidepressants including SSRIs (e.g., citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine) and NSRIs (e.g., duloxetine, venlafaxine), or a certain drug to treat obesity (sibutramine). Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you take any of these medications. Serotonin syndrome may be more likely when you start or increase the dose of any of these medications. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop some of the following symptoms: hallucinations, unusual restlessness, loss of coordination, fast heartbeat, severe dizziness, high fever, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, twitchy muscles.

In the unlikely event you have a serious allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: See also How to Use section.

Before taking frovatriptan, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other triptan migraine drugs; or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be taken if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have a history of: heart disease (e.g., chest pain, heart attack), decreased blood flow in the brain (e.g., stroke, transient ischemic attack), blood circulation disease (e.g., ischemic bowel disease), uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension), certain types of headaches (hemiplegic or basilar migraine).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: certain blood circulation disorders (e.g., Raynaud's disease).

Tell your doctor if you have the following risk factors for heart disease: diabetes, family history of heart disease, high blood pressure (controlled), high cholesterol, overweight, smoker, female after menopause, male over age 40.

If you are at high risk for heart disease, your doctor may want to check your heart before prescribing frovatriptan.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.

The risk of heart disease and high blood pressure increases with age. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly since they may be more sensitive to the side effects, especially to an increase in blood pressure.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also Side Effects section.

Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

This drug should not be taken with the following medication because very serious interactions may occur: sibutramine.

If you are currently using the medication listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before using frovatriptan.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: certain types of antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs such as fluoxetine/paroxetine/sertraline, NSRIs such as venlafaxine).

If you also take any ergotamine medication (e.g., dihydroergotamine or methysergide) or any other "triptan" drugs (e.g., zolmitriptan, rizatriptan), you will need to separate your frovatriptan dose from your dose of these other medications in order to lessen the chance of serious side effects. Ask your doctor how long you should wait between your doses of these drugs.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep or anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., chlorpromazine, amitriptyline, risperidone, trazodone).

Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

NOTES: Take this medication only as needed when a migraine occurs, as directed by your doctor. This medication should not be taken on a regular schedule. Never increase your dose of this medication or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Do not share this medication with others.

Certain foods/beverages or food additives (e.g., red wine, cheese, chocolate, monosodium glutamate) as well as some lifestyle patterns (e.g., irregular eating/sleeping habits, stress) may bring about a migraine headache. Avoiding these "triggers" may help decrease the frequency of migraine headaches. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE: Not applicable.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised July 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.