Getting Started With LYRICA® (pregabalin) CV | Safety Info

Getting Started With LYRICA

Like any new patient, you probably have questions about your new treatment and how it can help. Your doctor may have already told you about LYRICA. But here, you can find out a lot more—such as how LYRICA treats the specific pain of fibromyalgia, diabetic nerve pain, spinal cord injury nerve pain and pain after shingles. It can also reduce the frequency of partial onset seizures in adults with epilepsy as an add-on therapy. And as always, remember to partner with your doctor. The information here will help you know what to expect and when to expect it.

Why did my doctor prescribe LYRICA?

In clinical studies, LYRICA was proven effective in 2 difficult-to-treat nerve pain conditions—diabetic nerve pain and pain after shingles—and fibromyalgia. LYRICA was proven to provide significant relief from pain associated with these 3 conditions compared with a placebo.*

LYRICA is also FDA-approved to treat spinal cord injury nerve pain.

In clinical studies, LYRICA was also proven effective as an add-on therapy to significantly reduce the frequency of partial onset seizures in adults with epilepsy compared with a placebo.*

*Individual results may vary.

Why does my pain require a specific treatment?

Your pain is different than pain you may experience from a headache or sprained ankle. In general, there are 2 types of pain: nerve pain and muscle pain. Muscle pain usually has a clear cause (injury or inflammation) and tends to go away over time. Nerve pain is a unique type of pain that is the result of damaged nerves. Diabetic nerve pain, spinal cord injury nerve pain, and pain after shingles are examples of nerve pain. Fibromyalgia pain is thought to be the result of overactive nerves. These conditions can be long-lasting. The pain associated with these 4 conditions can be significantly reduced by daily prescription treatment such as LYRICA.

Find out about LYRICA and fibromyalgia

Find out about LYRICA and diabetic nerve pain

Find out about LYRICA and spinal cord injury nerve pain

What makes LYRICA different than other medicines?

LYRICA is indicated to treat the distinct pain of fibromyalgia, diabetic nerve pain, spinal cord injury nerve pain, and pain after shingles. In the past, you may have taken over-the-counter pain relief pills or narcotics when you felt that your pain was getting to a point that was difficult to manage. Over-the-counter pain relief pills are not approved by the FDA for the treatment of these conditions. LYRICA is not an antidepressant or a narcotic. However, those who have had drug or alcohol problems may be more likely to misuse LYRICA.

There is no generic version of LYRICA.

How can LYRICA improve my condition?

In clinical studies, many patients taking LYRICA felt significant relief from pain caused by fibromyalgia, diabetic nerve pain, and pain after shingles.* In fact, some patients felt less pain in as soon as 1 week. LYRICA can also provide significant relief from spinal cord injury nerve pain.*

Read information about fibromyalgia, diabetic nerve pain or spinal cord injury nerve pain.

In clinical studies, LYRICA was proven as an add-on therapy to significantly reduce the frequency of partial onset seizures in adults with epilepsy who took LYRICA compared with those who took a placebo.*

*Individual results may vary.

It’s important to discuss your progress and any side effects you may feel with your doctor, especially in the first few weeks. Learn more about the potential side effects of LYRICA

Can I take LYRICA with other medicines?

LYRICA has a low potential for interaction with other medicines. Tell your doctor about all the medicines, vitamins or herbal supplements you take, especially medicines that make you sleepy or any medicines mentioned below:

Any angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, used to treat many conditions such as high blood pressure. Taking this with LYRICA may increase the chance for swelling and hives

Avandia (rosiglitazone), Avandamet (contains rosiglitazone and metformin), or Actos (pioglitazone) used for diabetes: Taking these with LYRICA may increase the chance of weight gain or swelling of your hands or feet

Any narcotic pain medicine (such as oxycodone), tranquilizers or medicines for anxiety (such as lorazepam): Taking these with LYRICA may increase the chance for dizziness and sleepiness

Learn more: How to Take LYRICA

LYRICA is indicated to treat fibromyalgia, diabetic nerve pain, spinal cord injury nerve pain, and pain after shingles. LYRICA is also indicated to treat partial onset seizures in adults with epilepsy who take 1 or more drugs for seizures.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

LYRICA is not for everyone. LYRICA may cause serious, even life threatening, allergic reactions. Stop taking LYRICA and call your doctor right away if you have any signs of a serious allergic reaction. Some signs are swelling of your face, mouth, lips, gums, tongue, throat or neck, or if you have any trouble breathing, or have a rash, hives or blisters.

Drugs used to treat seizures increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. LYRICA may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500. Patients, family members or caregivers should call the doctor right away if they notice suicidal thoughts or actions, thoughts of self harm, or any unusual changes in mood or behavior. These changes may include new or worsening depression, anxiety, restlessness, trouble sleeping, panic attacks, anger, irritability, agitation, aggression, dangerous impulses or violence, or extreme increases in activity or talking. If you have suicidal thoughts or actions, do not stop LYRICA without first talking to your doctor.

LYRICA may cause swelling of your hands, legs and feet, which can be serious for people with heart problems. LYRICA may cause dizziness and sleepiness. You should not drive or work with machines until you know how LYRICA affects you. Also, tell your doctor right away about muscle pain or problems along with feeling sick and feverish, or any changes in your eyesight including blurry vision, or if you have any kidney problems or get dialysis.

Some of the most common side effects of LYRICA are dizziness, blurry vision, weight gain, sleepiness, trouble concentrating, swelling of your hands and feet, dry mouth, and feeling “high.” If you have diabetes, tell your doctor about any skin sores.

You may have a higher chance for swelling and hives if you are also taking angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors so tell your doctor if you are taking these medications. You may have a higher chance of swelling of your hands or feet or gaining weight if you are also taking certain diabetes medicines. Do not drink alcohol while on LYRICA. You may have a higher chance for dizziness and sleepiness if you take LYRICA with alcohol, narcotic pain medicines, or medicines for anxiety.

Before you start LYRICA, tell your doctor if you are planning to father a child, or if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you have had a drug or alcohol problem, you may be more likely to misuse LYRICA.

In studies, a specific type of blood vessel tumor was seen in mice, but not in rats. The meaning of these findings in humans is not known.

Do not stop taking LYRICA without talking to your doctor. If you stop suddenly you may have headaches, nausea, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, increased sweating, or you may feel anxious. If you have epilepsy, you may have seizures more often.

The product information provided in this site is intended only for residents of the United States. The products discussed herein may have different product labeling in different countries.

The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.

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