Migraines 101 | Cove to the Rescue | Eligibility | How Cove Works | Cost | Customer Reviews | Pros | Cons
Migraines are one of the most debilitating conditions around. Contrary to popular belief, migraines are more than your run-of-the-mill headache. The symptoms can be much worse.
Migraines are often associated with severe throbbing, pounding, and pulsating pain, and can be triggered by a number of factors.
Seeking medical attention is usually the only recourse to resolve the effects of an intense migraine. But trying to muster the strength to head to the doctor’s office is easier said than done. Most times, migraines make you want to curl up into a dark ball.
Thankfully, there is a telemedicine company offering hope to those suffering from the recurrence of debilitating migraines — Cove.
Cove offers an at-home option for those seeking relief from migraines.
They offer over 20 clinically-proven treatments, from preventative to acute medications and supplements. The whole process is overseen by a licensed medical professional.
But is this subscription-based telemedical company legit? Are their migraine treatments and medications effective?
We’re here to answer these questions with an honest review of Cove.
A Look at Migraines
Before we dive into Cove, we would do well to understand migraines a little more, to offer ourselves a better look at how and why their service is so important.
Migraines can be crippling to deal with. This neurological condition is a league of its own in many ways. It is much more than the standard headache that affects millions from day to day. Migraines are much more severe.
According to Migraine Research Foundation, migraines affect over 39 million people in the U.S. and over 1 billion worldwide — that’s nearly 10 percent of the global population. That makes migraines the 3rd most prevalent illness in the world.
It is thought that migraines are hereditary, at least to some degree. Researchers have yet to pinpoint just one universal trigger for migraines.
However, common triggers include:
- Hormonal triggers: Changes in hormonal levels, such as those occurring in pregnancy or menstruation, can contribute to migraines.
- Lifestyle triggers: Stress, over-exertion, dehydration, and changes in sleep patterns have been linked to migraines.
- Environmental triggers: Certain smells and changes in light, altitude, and pressure have been known to trigger migraines.
These are just a few examples. Medication use and weather-related factors are also common triggers.
Migraine symptoms can vary, but common symptoms include pulsating, throbbing, and pounding head pain, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and more.
The list could go on. Plus, keep in mind that the severity of symptoms varies from person to person. Regardless of what causes migraines, one thing is certain: they can be debilitating.
The Need for Cove
There are numerous medications used to treat migraines, to treat both the acute symptoms as well as to try and prevent them.
However, many people simply put off going to a doctor or specialist. Finding the right specialist, setting up an appointment, and the stress that comes with it all is too much sometimes, especially when your head is already pounding as is.
This is where Cove steps in. This telemedicine company has one single focus: Helping people find relief from migraines.
They offer a convenient way to tackle migraines all from the comfort of home. Their migraine specialists offer personalized treatment plans, ranging from prescription medications to dietary supplements.
The comforting thing is the fact that all of their care specialists are board-certified and are specially trained in treating migraines.
They work to tailor the right subscription-based treatment plans for each person. Their online consultation is quick and easy — no need to travel or set up an in-office appointment.
In short, they offer a convenient way to make migraine management possible. Let’s take a closer look at their consultation process and what they have to offer.
Who can use Cove?
You must be 18 years or older to use Cove’s subscription service, and Cove’s services are only available in the United States.
You must begin the initial process to see if they serve your particular state (unfortunately, we couldn’t find a list on their website).
How Cove Works
The initial process is not unlike any other form of telemedicine, it starts with an online quiz and consultation. This can be done through Cove’s website, either by desktop or a mobile device. Let’s review the steps.
Step 1. Online Quiz
Since Cove offers personalized treatment, you must first complete an online quiz and consultation to get started on the path to migraine relief.
Let’s take a look at a few of the questions we were asked when we did the quiz:
What brings you to Cove today?
The first question offers three answer options:
- I need a prescription for my migraine medication.
- I’d like to understand if my headaches are actually migraines.
- I want to consult with a doctor who specializes in migraine care.
You will set on a particular path depending how you answer this question. If you’ve been treated for migraines in the past, expect to be asked about the types of medications you’ve taken. If you simply want to learn more about migraines, your consultation will take a much different path.
You will also be asked about the frequency of migraine attacks, how long you’ve been experiencing them, their severity, and family history. Of course, you’ll also be asked about which symptoms are associated with your migraine attacks and your willingness to receive medication treatment.
What we liked
The quiz was painless. It only took about 7 minutes to complete. It felt personalized and the questions did a good job of narrowing down the specifics. We got the sense that Cove doesn’t use a one-size-fits-all approach to migraine treatment, which is truly so important for this condition.
Step 2. Online Consultation
Once the questionnaire and the necessary information is filled out, you will be given your result and a preliminary treatment plan — you’ll still usually need a consultation. Of course, this may vary, especially if you’ve already been treated for migraines in the past.
Be prepared to answer questions pertaining to migraine and medical history. In some cases, the online consultation requires you to upload a video, which will be similar to the process you’d expect in a neurologist’s office.
Make sure you are as honest as possible, as your answers (or lack of) will determine your treatment plan.
After you’ve submitted all the necessary information, it will be reviewed by one of Cove’s licensed migraine specialists. The doctor will determine the best course of personalized treatment and prescribe the necessary medication.
The turnaround time for this varies, but most people see their results within the day, which is a welcome speed for anyone looking for relief.
The consultation only costs $4, but must be approved by you within seven days.
Step 3. Beginning Treatment
You can begin treatment as soon as you’ve been approved. Medications are delivered right to your door.
What we found really nice is that these plans are flexible and can be adjusted at any time by the doctors, too.
Treatment Product Lines
Migraine treatment products from Cove are broken into four categories:
#1: Acute Medications
These medications help reduce the severity of migraine attacks and symptoms as soon as the attack begins. Most are prescription medications.
These include triptans for immediate pain relief, such as Naratriptan, Sumatriptan, Rizatriptan, Eletriptan, and Zolmitriptan.
Other medications include calcitonin gene-related peptides (CGRP) receptors, such as Nurtec ODT, and a CAMBIA, a combination of diclofenac potassium and NSAID oral solution.
#2: Preventive Medications
These medications are taken every day to help reduce the onset of migraine attacks. These include various prescription beta-blockers like Propranolol and Metoprolol, anticonvulsants used to slow nerve cells in the brain (which trigger migraines), and antidepressants, like Amitriptyline, which are used to regulate serotonin levels and prevent migraines.
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Migraine Help  | Get treatment that works for your migraine. With over 20 research-backed treatment options, we’ll work with you to find the right treatment for your specific needs.
| Buy Prescriptions Now | |
Supplements  | Designed by headache specialists, Oasis is a magnesium-rich hydration supplement that helps you manage migraine triggers. Finally, a hydration supplement designed for migraine $32/month | Buy Supplement Now | |
Supplements  | Beam is a dietary supplement designed to support migraine sufferers. It includes ingredients that have been shown in clinical studies to help reduce migraine frequency. The ultimate supplement for migraine sufferers $29/month | Buy Supplement Now |
#3: Anti-Nausea Medications (aka Anti-Emetics)
This class of prescription medication is used to reduce migraine-associated nausea. They are normally taken alongside other prescription pain relievers. These include Ondansetron, Ondansetron ODT, and Metoclopramide.
#4: Dietary Supplements
They also offer non-prescription supplements to boost treatment effectiveness naturally. These include magnesium, which can help reduce migraine severity, and Riboflavin (vitamin B2), which has also proved effective in reducing the frequency of migraines.
Cove also offers Cove Beam, a dietary supplement combination of magnesium, riboflavin, and CoQ10, designed to support migraine sufferers by preventing migraine attacks. For example, some research studies have shown CoQ10 helps reduce migraine frequency.
Subscription Costs
So far it all sounds too good to be true. But how much does it cost?
Cove users will pay a monthly medical fee of just $4. Yes, $4.00. 400 pennies. 4 dollar bills.
This includes the ongoing review of your treatment plan by a licensed medical doctor.
Basically, it ensures your treatment plan is working as it should. Definitely not bad considering most co-pays are ten times more than that on a good insurance plan.
Additional costs will vary by your medication treatment plan. However, most Cove users pay around $20 – $40 a month in total.
Subscriptions include medication treatments and unlimited messaging with Cove physicians. Plus, you get 40% off your first month when you complete your online consultation the same day. Most Cove users receive their first treatment at their doorstep within two weeks.
Currently, Cove is only a self-pay service, although they do say they are working towards getting insurance coverage.
All prescriptions are filled through their partner Eagle Pharmacy, which is accredited with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.
What about shipping?
Products are shipped every 90 days per Cove, it only costs $3 (for most orders), and it arrives within 3 to 5 business days. Plus, you can track your shipments.
Cove only ships within the United States.
Can I cancel my subscription any time I want?
From what we saw, all you have to do is call their customer service line or fill out a cancellation form.
What Customers Are Saying
Cove seems to have a solid reputation among its customers. Here are few testimonials to their effectiveness in treating migraines.
I love that my migraine medicine is delivered to my door every month! I don’t have to worry about forgetting to call for a refill and being without it, because I couldn’t survive without it!! Thank you so much for that!! It’s worth every dime I pay for it!!
— Cindy, 5/5 stars on Trustpilot
I have been using cove for quite awhile now. I always get my refill before I run out and I have always received a quick response from the doctors and customer service. I am pain free and sooooooo grateful! Shipping is discreet and quick!
— Samantha, 5/5 stars on Trustpilot
The process from start to finish has been fast and easy. My prescription is effective after battling migraines for years without a good solution. I love that the prescription refills and delivers right to my door without worry. Customer service and the doctors have been top notch as well.
— Ariel, 5/5 stars on Trustpilot
What We Like
- They offer a great selection of FDA-approved, prescription medications for migraines.
- Cove offers both acute and preventative medications, as well as natural supplements.
- Treatment is personalized and overseen by a licensed migraine specialist.
- Users get access to ongoing doctor consultation for only $4 a month.
- Convenient, at-home prescription medication option with fast delivery.
What We Don’t Like
- Cove doesn’t accept insurance — they’re self-pay only.
- They’re only available in some states, and, those states aren’t listed on the website (at least not that we could find, and we can find anything).
- Only really useful if you’re battling migraines on a monthly basis.
Bottom Line
So, is Cove an effective subscription medication service for treating migraines? Absolutely.
Cove works great for those migraine sufferers who are looking for a convenient, at-home option to prescription migraine treatments. Ongoing access to the expertise of licensed physicians who specialize in migraine treatment is a huge plus.
But, the service may not be right for everyone. No doubt the subscription plans are affordable, but to really take advantage of the service you need to be someone who suffers from migraines on a pretty regular basis.
If that is you, then Cove’s subscription service might be just what you’re looking for to help bring you relief from migraines.
Sources:
Cove: Prescription Medication for Migraine Relief | Cove
Migraine Facts | Migraine Research Foundation
Triptans – StatPearls | NCBI Bookshelf
NABP | National Association of Boards of Pharmacy
Kate Byrd, PharmD, is a highly accomplished Medical Writer with a strong background in pharmacy and an unwavering commitment to producing accurate, informative content. After earning her Doctor of Pharmacy degree, Kate embarked on her career as a Medical Writer, where she has since gained valuable experience in developing evidence-based content that translates complex medical information into easy-to-understand articles. We are thrilled to announce that Kate is now bringing her expertise and dedication to the medical writing team at Pharmacists.org. Her passion for empowering readers with reliable and accessible health information aligns perfectly with our mission, making her a valuable addition to our team.
Owner, entrepreneur, and health enthusiast.
Chris is one of the Co-Founders of USARx.com. An entrepreneur at heart, Chris has been building and writing in consumer health for over 10 years. In addition to USARx.com, Chris and his Acme Health LLC Brand Team own and operate Pharmacists.org and the USA Rx Pharmacy Discount Card.
Chris has a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation and is a proud member of the American Medical Writer’s Association (AMWA), the International Society for Medical Publication Professionals (ISMPP), the National Association of Science Writers (NASW), the Council of Science Editors, the Author’s Guild, and the Editorial Freelance Association (EFA).
Our growing team of healthcare experts work everyday to create accurate and informative health content in addition to the keeping you up to date on the latest news and research.
How we built this article:
- Content Process
- Article History
Every piece of content we produce is meticulously crafted and edited based on the four core pillars of our editorial philosophy: (1) building and sustaining trust; (2) upholding the highest journalistic standards; (3) prioritizing accuracy, empathy, and inclusivity; and (4) continuously monitoring and updating our content. These principles ensure that you consistently receive timely, evidence-based information.
Current Version
2022-12-30
Edited By
2022-10-14
Fact Checked By
