Migard

About Migard

• Migard is taken to relieve the symptoms of a migraine
• Migard does not prevent migraines from occurring and should only be taken when a migraine occurs
• Migard contains the drug frovatriptan
• Frovatriptan is part of the triptan medication family. Triptans are commonly used to treat migraines
• Migard can make you feel sleepy, so you must not drive or use heavy machinery if this occurs
• It is important to read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects and cautions.

How Does Migard Work?

Migraines are caused by a change in the chemicals within the brain. This causes the brain to send out confused signals which leads to a severe headache and nausea or vomiting (feeling sick or being sick).

Migard contains frovatriptan, a serotonin 5HT1 receptor agonist and form of triptan. Triptans increase the release of serotonin, a natural substance found within the brain. The increase in serotonin helps to minimise the pain of a migraine and any associated sickness.

Triptans also work on blood vessels to reduce the pain of the migraine. Migard works in the following ways:

1. Blood vessel dilation (widening) is responsible for some of the pain of a migraine or cluster headache. Migard causes constriction (narrowing) of the vessels within the head to reduce the pain of a migraine.
2. Migard prevents the release of neuropeptides that would cause blood vessels to dilate. This also reduces the pain associated with blood vessel dilation.

Migard works best if it is taken at the first sign of a migraine. This may be during the first stage of an aura, or as soon as you first notice the pain.

Migard is only taken when a migraine headache is starting, as it does not work to prevent migraines.

How is Migard Taken?

Migard is a tablet that should be swallowed with some water. It can be taken on an empty stomach if you have not eaten recently, but it will also work if you have recently had a meal or snack.

Dosage of Migard

Each Migard tablet contains 2.5mg of frovatriptan. The first tablet should be taken as soon as the pain of a migraine starts.

If the migraine recurs after the first tablet, a second tablet can be taken as long as at least 2 hours have passed since the first tablet. If the first tablet does not work, you must not take a second tablet.

You must not take more than 2 tablets (5mg) in a 24 hour period.

Are there any Side Effects?

Like all medications, Migard can have some side effects. The most common side effects include:

• Dry mouth
• Nausea (feeling sick)
• Indigestion or stomach pain
• Feeling tired or sleepy – you must not drive or operate heavy machinery if this occurs
• Changes to your eyesight
• Feeling dizzy.

These side effects are likely to settle down, but if they persist or become troublesome you should speak to your doctor for further advice.

Occasionally, some people notice chest discomfort, flushing, feeling hot, or tingling sensations after taking frovatriptan. These side effects usually settle quickly, but if they persist for two or more hours you should not take any more Migard. You should seek advice from a doctor immediately.

Serious allergic reactions happen very rarely. If you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) including breathlessness, lip swelling or tongue swelling, call 999 immediately.

Migard Warnings

Migard may not be suitable for everyone. You should tell your prescriber if you:

• Have high blood pressure
• Have ever had a heart attack
• Have Prinzmetal’s angina
• Have ischaemic heart disease
• Have peripheral vascular disease
• Have had a stroke or mini stroke
• Have seizures
• Have severe liver disease
• Are a heavy smoker
• Are aged 65 or over, or are younger than 18
• Have hemiplegic, basilar or ophthalmoplegic migraines
• Are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding.

Some medications can interact with Migard. You may be advised that Migard will not suit you if you already take:

• Certain antidepressants
• Another triptan or medication for migraine
• Methylergometrine
• St John’s Wort (hypericum perforatum).