Lyrica

Generic Name: Pregabalin (pre-GA-ba-lin)
Brand Name: Lyrica

Lyrica is used for:

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Treating fibromyalgia or nerve pain caused by certain conditions (eg, shingles, diabetic nerve problems). It is also used in combination with other medicines to treat certain types of seizures. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Lyrica is an anticonvulsant and neuropathic pain agent. How Lyrica works is not fully understood. It is thought to bind to certain areas in the brain that help reduce seizures, nerve pain, and anxiety.

Do NOT use Lyrica if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Lyrica

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Lyrica :

Some medical conditions may interact with Lyrica . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have heart problems (eg, congestive heart failure, irregular heartbeat), elevated creatinine kinase, muscle problems, diabetes, bleeding problems, or a history of alcohol or substance abuse
if you have kidney problems or are on dialysis
if you have a history of mental or mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or actions

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Lyrica . However, no specific interactions with Lyrica are known at this time.

Ask your health care provider if Lyrica may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Lyrica :

Use Lyrica as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

An extra patient leaflet is available with Lyrica . Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
Take Lyrica by mouth with or without food.
Take Lyrica on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it.
Taking Lyrica at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
If you miss a dose of Lyrica , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Lyrica .

Important safety information:

Lyrica may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Lyrica with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Lyrica ; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
Lyrica may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. Avoid activities that may cause bruising or injury. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding. Tell your doctor if you have dark, tarry, or bloody stools.
Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Lyrica before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
If you are planning to father a child, talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of fathering a child while taking Lyrica .
Lab tests, including blood counts, creatine kinase levels, or heart function, may be performed while you use Lyrica . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Use Lyrica with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
Lyrica should not be used in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Lyrica while you are pregnant. It is not known if Lyrica is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Lyrica .

If you stop taking Lyrica suddenly, you may have WITHDRAWAL symptoms. These may include diarrhea, headache, nausea, or sleeplessness. If treatment with Lyrica is stopped, the dose should be reduced gradually.

Possible side effects of Lyrica :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Blurred vision; changes in sexual function; constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; gas; headache; lightheadedness; stomach pain; trouble concentrating; weight gain.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloating or swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles; changes in vision; confusion; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; inability to control urination; loss of coordination; mental or mood changes; muscle aches, pain, tenderness, or weakness (especially if this occurs with a fever or general feeling or discomfort); speaking problems; sudden, unexplained weight gain; suicidal thoughts or actions; unusual tiredness or weakness.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http: / / www.aapcc.org / dnn / Resources / FindLocalPoisonCenters / tabid / 130 / Default.aspx), or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Lyrica :

Store Lyrica at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Lyrica out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

If you have any questions about Lyrica , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Lyrica is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Lyrica . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: August 6, 2008

Database Edition 08.3.1.002