Lyrica (pregabalin) has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Following the safety recommendations for Lyrica decreases the risk of undesirable side effects. To enhance patient safety, Lyrica must be taken as prescribed.
There are 10 things you should know about Lyrica:
1 - Lyrica is the first FDA-approved medicine for fibromyalgia
Lyrica (pronounced LEER-i-kah) was approved for the treatment of fibromyalgia in adults 18 years and older on June 21, 2007. The drug, marketed by Pfizer, was previously approved for the management of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, and as an additional therapy for adults with partial onset seizures. Until the approval of Lyrica capsules, no medicine was specifically approved to treat fibromyalgia. Symptoms of fibromyalgia have been treated with:
- pain medications
- NSAIDs
- sleep medications
- muscle relaxers
- antidepressants
2 - Lyrica reduces pain and improves function in fibromyalgia patients
Exactly how Lyrica works is unknown. Fibromyalgia symptoms have been linked to changes in the brain that influence how people feel pain. Fibromyalgia patients experience a heightened sensitivity to stimuli that are not normally painful to others. Some data suggests Lyrica binds to a protein in nerve cells that is responsible for the heightened sensitivity.
3 - The effectiveness of Lyrica for treating fibromyalgia was established by two clinical trials involving 1,800 people
Study results from the two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials showed that doses of 300 mg or 450 mg of Lyrica per day improved fibromyalgia symptoms (i.e., reduced pain and improved function) as early as the first week of treatment. When patients stopped taking Lyrica, fibromyalgia symptoms worsened.
4 - Common side effects were reported during clinical trials for patients taking Lyrica compared to placebo
According to Pfizer, common side effects reported in patients taking Lyrica included:
- dizziness
- sleepiness/drowsiness
- dry mouth
- edema
- blurred vision
- weight gain
- swelling of hands and feet
- constipation
- exaggerated feeling of happiness or wellness
- balance disorder
- increased appetite
- difficulty with concentration/attention
Because of the possibility of dizziness or drowsiness, the drug may impair one's ability to drive or operate complex machinery.
5 - Lyrica may cause rare but potentially serious allergic reactions such as angioedema and hypersensitivity
Some patients reported allergic reactions to Lyrica, including swelling of the face, mouth, lips, gums, tongue, and neck. Others experienced trouble breathing, rash, hives, and blisters. If any of these symptoms occur, patients should stop taking Lyrica immediately and seek medical care.
6 - Lyrica may interact with other medications
Patients must inform their doctors about all medications they are taking, prescription or non-prescription, as well as any supplements.
Possible interactions can occur with:
- alcohol
- antihistamines
- barbiturates
- Parkinson's disease medications, such as entacapone (Stalevo) or tolcapone (Tasmar)
- diabetes medications, such as pioglitazone (Actos) or rosiglitazone (Avandia)
- medicines used to help you sleep or relax, such as lorazepam (Ativan), alprazolam (Xanax), or diazepam (Valium)
- pain medications, such as morphine (MS Contin) or codeine
- phenothiazines used for certain mental disorders or for nausea/vomiting, such as prochlorperazine (Compazine) or thioridazine (Mellaril)
- tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline (Elavil) or imipramine (Tofranil)
7 - Patients who have had prior drug or alcohol problems may be more likely to misuse Lyrica
As with any prior significant medical problem, patients who have abused or been addicted to drugs or alcohol in the past should inform their doctor. Because of the increased possibility of misuse of Lyrica in these individuals, closer monitoring may be necessary or another treatment may be preferable.
8 - Patients taking Lyrica should not stop taking the drug without discussing it with their doctor
Lyrica should be taken at the prescribed dosage. If a dose of Lyrica is missed and it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Two doses of Lyrica should not be taken together. Patients should continue taking the drug even after experiencing pain relief. They should also plan ahead for refills so the prescription does not run out.
9 - There is more research that will follow on Lyrica
Pfizer has agreed to study the use of Lyrica in children with fibromyalgia. Another study will be planned for breastfeeding women. As it is now, women who are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant should notify their doctor before starting the drug. No adequate, well-controlled studies have been conducted in pregnant humans, and use is only appropriate when the potential benefit to the mother outweighs possible risk to the fetus.
Men who are planning for fatherhood should also talk with their doctor before taking Lyrica. Studies showed that the drug made male animals less fertile. Also, birth defects occurred in the offspring of male animals who were treated with pregabalin.
10 - It is important to discuss the benefits versus risks of taking Lyrica with your doctor
Patients must fully understand dosage, directions, side effects, and potential serious adverse events associated with Lyrica. While it may be a very beneficial drug for some patients with fibromyalgia, precautions for safe use must be followed.
Sources:
FDA Approves First Drug for Treating Fibromyalgia. FDA. June 21, 2007.
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01656.html
Living with Fibromyalgia, First Drug Approved. FDA Consumer Update. June 21, 2007.
http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/fibromyalgia062107.html
The Official Site of Lyrica. June 25,2007.
http://www.lyrica.com
FDA Patient Information Sheet. Pregabalin (marketed as Lyrica). November 21, 2005.
http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/InfoSheets/patient/pregabalinPIS.htm
