Migard 2.5mg - 6 Tablets

What is Migard 2.5mg?

Migard 2.5mg tablets are taken to treat a migraine headache. These tablets contain a medicine called frovatriptan, which belongs to a class of medicines known as triptans.

This medicine is most effective when taken at the onset of a migraine attack. Migard should not be taken to prevent a migraine attack, only when you start to feel the symptoms of one coming on. However, it is safe to take alongside medicines that prevent migraines, such as Propranolol.

What is Migard used to treat?

Migard 2.5mg tablets are used to treat the headache phase of a migraine attack.

The exact cause of a migraine is unknown, but it is believed to be caused by the blood vessels widening in the brain, creating a throbbing pain. Migard contains the active ingredient frovatriptan, which is a triptan medicine that is commonly prescribed to treat the symptoms of a migraine headache.

Various factors can work to trigger a migraine, including stress, too much caffeine, poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption and a lack of sleep.

Why is Migard recommended for migraines?

Research has shown frovatriptan to be better tolerated than certain other triptan medicines, meaning you are less likely to suffer side effects. Furthermore, tests have shown this medicine to be highly effective at treating moderate to severe migraine attacks. 

Migard is most effective when you take it right at the start of a migraine attack. However, it can still help to relieve symptoms if taken later on during an attack.

How does Migard work?

Migraines are believed to be caused by the widening of blood vessels in the brain. Frovatriptan is a serotonin agonist which stimulates the brain’s serotonin receptors, narrowing the blood vessels again and alleviating the throbbing pain that comes with migraines.

Migard (Frovatriptan) typically has the slowest response time of 2 hours when compared to other triptans. 

Who can take Migard?

Migard 2.5mg tablets are not suitable for everyone to take.

This medicine must not be taken by anyone under 18 years old. It is also not recommended for people over the age of 65.

Do not take Migard if:

• You are allergic to frovatriptan or any of the other ingredients contained in this medicine
• You have severe liver disease
• You have ever had a heart attack or have suffered from any cardiovascular diseases, such as angina pectoris, or circulation disorders of the arms or legs
• You have ever had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack
• You suffer from high blood pressure, or your blood pressure is not controlled
• You are already taking certain other medicines to treat migraines, like ergotamine and ergotamine derivatives, and other triptan medicines

Speak to your doctor before you start taking Migard if you are at a high risk of developing coronary artery disease, particularly if:

• You are a post-menopausal woman or a man over the age of 40
• You are a heavy smoker or you are using nicotine substitution therapy

Can you buy Migard over the counter?

Migard is a prescription-only medicine (POM), so it cannot be bought over the counter. You will need to speak to your doctor, who will prescribe this medicine if it is suitable for you.

Can you buy Migard online in the UK?

You can buy Migard online from Medicine Direct, but you will first need to complete an online consultation questionnaire. This medicine can only be bought when prescribed, so one of our registered doctors or pharmacists will review your answers to make sure that Migard is a suitable and safe treatment for you to use.

Once your answers have been reviewed, your order will be confirmed. Furthermore, if your order is placed by 2pm, you will receive your medication the very next day.

Never buy medicine online from anywhere other than a registered pharmacy, like Medicine Direct.

Migard alternatives

There are many prescription alternatives to Migard if this medicine is ineffective or not suitable for you. Other triptan medicines such as Sumatriptan or Almotriptan can also be bought from our online pharmacy after completing an online consultation form. These medicines also work to narrow the blood vessels in the brain during a migraine attack and help to alleviate the symptoms they cause.

For people over the age of 16 who suffer from migraines, Anadin Extra is also available to order from our pharmacy. Anadin Extra contains two painkillers: paracetamol and aspirin. The other active ingredient is caffeine, which helps the medicine to get to work as quickly as possible, providing rapid pain relief from migraine headaches.

Migard 2.5mg Tablets Dosage and Directions

Our pharmacists and prescribers follow NICE guidelines when prescribing Migard tablet.

Always take Migard 2.5mg tablets exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. Read the patient information leaflet and ask your doctor or pharmacist for further guidance if you are still not sure.

For the most effective relief, take this medicine as early as possible after the onset of a migraine headache. Swallow one tablet whole with a drink of water; do not crush or chew the tablets. Do not use this medicine to prevent a migraine attack.

If your symptoms have not improved, do not take a second dose for the same migraine attack. However, you can take Migard 2.5mg tablets for a different migraine attack.

If the first dose provides relief from the migraine headache but your symptoms return within 24 hours, you can take a second dose as long as it is at least 2 hours since you took the first one.

Do not take more than two tablets in a 24 hour period.

Migard 2.5mg Side Effects

Like any medication, Migard 2.5mg tablets can cause side effects, although they will not affect everyone who takes them. Side effects are generally mild.

Common side effects can include:

• Hot flushes
• Tightness in the throat
• Visual disturbances
• Increased sweating
• Nausea, dry mouth, stomach pain, digestion problems
• Fatigue
• Chest discomfort (pressure, tightness or heaviness in the chest)
• Headache, pins and needles, dizziness, sleepiness, reduction in the sensation of touch

Rare side effects of taking Migard include:

• Fever
• Muscle spasm
• Slow heartbeat
• Movement problems
• Constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, belching, heartburn, lip blisters or pain, mouth blisters, stomach ulcers, toothache
• Nosebleed, hiccups, breathing problems, throat irritation
• Low sugar in the blood
• Ear discomfort, sensitive hearing
• Kidney pain or passing urine frequently in the night
• Night blindness
• Skin reactions
• Loss of memory, abnormal dreams, personality disorder
• Self-inflicted injury, such as bruising or biting
• Breast pain or discomfort
• Swollen lymph nodes

Seek medical attention if you suffer from any of these reactions.

Please refer to the patient information leaflet for comprehensive information on side effects and how to cope with them.

Migard 2.5mg Warnings

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other prescription or non-prescription medication as some medicines can interact with Migard tablets.

In particular, before taking Migard, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• Ergotamine or ergotamine derivatives
• Any monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Oral contraceptives or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Any other triptan medicines

This medicine may not be suitable for post-menopausal women.

Please read the patient information leaflet for full details on warnings and drug interactions. Please speak to your doctor for more information if you have any questions or concerns.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not use Migard tablets while pregnant or breastfeeding unless your doctor has given you a prescription for this medicine and instructed you to take it.

If you are taking Migard while breastfeeding, do not breastfeed for 24 hours after taking this medication. Any milk expressed during that time should be discarded.

Migard Ingredients

The main active ingredient within this medicine is: Frovatriptan succinate monohydrate.

For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics.

How long does it take Migard to work?

Migard usually takes around two hours to work. You can take a second dose after two hours if needed.

How many tablets can I take in a day?

Do not take more than two Migard tablets in one day.

Is Frovatriptan a blood thinner?

No, triptans like frovatriptan do not thin your blood. This medicine works to narrow your blood vessels around the brain to relieve migraine symptoms.

Can I drink alcohol with Migard?

Drinking alcohol can make your headache or migraine even worse, so you are advised to not drink alcohol while suffering from a migraine.

Can you take ibuprofen and frovatriptan together?

There are no known interactions between ibuprofen and frovatriptan, although you should still speak to your pharmacist to make sure.

How long does frovatriptan stay in your system?

Frovatriptan has a half-life of around 26 hours.

How often can I take Migard?

You should not take Migard more than twice in 24 hours.

What is the difference between frovatriptan and rizatriptan?

Clinical studies have found that both medicines are similarly effective, although frovatriptan had a more sustained analgesic effect compared to rizatriptan. This means that you may find more sustained pain relief when taking a frovatriptan medication like Migard.

Can I take rizatriptan with frovatriptan?

You should not combine migraine medications unless advised to do so by your doctor or pharmacist. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you think you may need additional pain relief from migraines; they will be able to advise you as to what is safe.