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How to Take LYRICA

There are things you can do when taking LYRICA to get the most from your treatment. It’s important to work closely with your doctor if you are not feeling the relief you hoped for or are experiencing side effects. Your doctor may be able to help by adjusting your dose. So now’s a great time to learn about taking LYRICA and working with your doctor to find the right dosage strength for you.

How do I take LYRICA?


Take LYRICA every day as prescribed by your doctor. Take LYRICA at the same times each day. It may help you to remember if you combine taking your medicine with other daily activities, such as eating meals or brushing your teeth. You can take LYRICA with or without food.

How do I know if I’m on the right dose?


Everyone is unique and may respond to LYRICA differently. LYRICA is available in multiple strengths. Your doctor can adjust your dose to help you get the most from treatment. So it’s important to discuss your progress and any side effects you may feel with your doctor, especially in the first few weeks.

The maximum dosage strength and the number of times a day you should take LYRICA depend upon the condition you are taking LYRICA for and the severity of your pain. However, in clinical studies many patients who began at the recommended starting dosage and had their dosage increased within the recommended ongoing dosage had better pain relief. Find out your starting dose.

What if I miss a dose?


If you miss a dose by a few hours, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next dose, do not take the missed dose. Just take LYRICA at your next regular time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.
Your doctor wants to make sure you get the most out of your treatment. That’s why it is important to tell your doctor the level of pain relief or the side effects you may be feeling while taking LYRICA.

What dose is recommended for my condition?
Take LYRICA every day as prescribed by your doctor. The chart below outlines the following for each condition: the number of times to take LYRICA per day, the recommended total starting dosage, and the recommended total ongoing dosage.

  Number of times
per day to take LYRICA 		Recommended total
starting dosage 		Recommended total
ongoing dosage

Fibromyalgia

 2 150 mg/day 300 mg/day to
450 mg/day

Diabetic nerve pain

 3 150 mg/day 300 mg/day

Pain after shingles

 2 or 3
(depending on the dose) 		150 mg/day 150 mg/day to
600 mg/day*

Partial onset
seizures in adults

 2 or 3
(depending on the dose) 		150 mg/day 150 mg/day to
600 mg/day

Your doctor may make adjustments according to your unique needs. If you have problems with kidney function, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of LYRICA.

* Patients who do not experience sufficient pain relief following 2 to 4 weeks of treatment with 300 mg/day, and who are able to tolerate LYRICA, may be treated with up to 600 mg/day.

Do I have to keep taking LYRICA if I feel better?


LYRICA isn’t like some other medicines you only take when you feel pain. LYRICA must be taken every day to manage your pain effectively, even if you feel better. Your symptoms may return without continued treatment.

If you stop taking LYRICA suddenly, you may have headaches, nausea, diarrhea, or trouble sleeping. If you have epilepsy and stop taking LYRICA suddenly, you may have seizures more often. If you and your doctor do decide you need to stop taking LYRICA, he or she will help you stop gradually.
LYRICA is indicated to treat fibromyalgia, diabetic 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. Call your doctor right away if you have new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, or unusual changes in mood or behavior. 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 or trouble sleeping and if you have epilepsy, you may have seizures more often.

View the Medication Guide

View the Full Prescribing Information
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.
Copyright © 2011 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved. PBP01545/285966-01
LYRICA