Talking To A Doctor | LYRICA® (pregabalin) CV Safety Info | Diabetic Nerve Pain

Talking to Your Doctor

A partner in your treatment

You and your doctor are a team. Be sure to ask your doctor questions and keep him or her informed. This will enable your doctor to decide the best course of action. Prepare for your appointments using the tips below.

At your next doctor visit

Tell your doctor how your diabetic nerve pain affects you

Your diabetic nerve pain is a result of uncontrolled blood sugar over time or fluctuations in blood sugar associated with diabetes. Your doctor is there to help you manage your diabetes and can also help treat your diabetic nerve pain. Explain how the pain impacts you. And ask for a specific treatment for diabetic nerve pain.

Prepare for your next doctor appointment. Create a list of the pain symptoms you are experiencing. This will help you explain your symptoms to your doctor more clearly. Fill out the Diabetic Nerve Pain Doctor Discussion Starter to create a list of symptoms to determine if your pain could be diabetic nerve pain. Take the list to your next doctor appointment.

Discuss what you are already doing to treat your diabetic nerve pain

You may already be taking something for your diabetic nerve pain. Tell your doctor about any medicines or other approaches you are using for your diabetic nerve pain. Ask what you can do to relieve this distinct pain.

Ask if LYRICA can help relieve your diabetic nerve pain

LYRICA is approved by the FDA to treat diabetic nerve pain. So your doctor may recommend LYRICA to help treat your diabetic nerve pain. Ask your doctor if LYRICA is right for you.

Between your doctor visits

Maintain a healthy blood sugar level

Uncontrolled blood sugar over time or fluctuations in blood sugar can damage your nerves. This damage is what causes your diabetic nerve pain. Maintaining the blood sugar level your doctor recommends can help prevent further damage.

Monitor other parts of your care as well

There is more you need to pay attention to besides your blood sugar and diabetes. Along with your doctor or specialist, keep a careful watch on:

Your feet—check frequently for cuts or bruises or infection

Your vision—high blood sugar can cause damage to your eyes

Your pain—tell your doctor how pain affects your daily life

Learn more: DPN Doctor Discussion Starter

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.

Search form

You are here