Lyrica (Pregabalin) Drug Information

  • Why is this medication prescribed?

    Lyrica (pregabalin) is used to relieve neuropathic pain (pain from damaged nerves) that can occur in your arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet, or toes if you have diabetes or in the area of your rash if you have had shingles (a painful rash that occurs after infection with herpes zoster). It is also used to treat fibromyalgia (a long-lasting condition that may cause pain, muscle stiffness and tenderness, tiredness, and difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep). Lyrica (pregabalin) is used with other medications to treat certain types of seizures in people with epilepsy. Lyrica (pregabalin) is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing the number of pain signals that are sent out by damaged nerves in the body.

  • How should this medicine be used?

    Lyrica (pregabalin) comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food two or three times a day. Take Lyrica (pregabalin) at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

    Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of Lyrica (pregabalin) and may gradually increase your dose during the first week of treatment.

    Take Lyrica (pregabalin) exactly as directed. Lyrica (pregabalin) may be habit forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or take it for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor.

    Lyrica (pregabalin) may help control your symptoms but will not cure your condition. It may take several weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of Lyrica (pregabalin). Continue to take Lyrica (pregabalin) even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Lyrica (pregabalin) without talking to your doctor, even if you experience side effects such as unusual changes in behavior or mood. If you suddenly stop taking Lyrica (pregabalin), you may experience withdrawal symptoms, including trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, or seizures. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually over at least one week.

    Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with Lyrica (pregabalin) and each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website or the manufacturer's website to obtain the Medication Guide.

  • Other uses for this medicine

    This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

  • What special precautions should I follow?

    Before taking Lyrica (pregabalin):

    • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Lyrica (pregabalin), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in Lyrica (pregabalin) capsules. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
    • tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin, in Lotrel), captopril (Capoten, in Capozide), enalapril (Vasotec, in Vaseretic, Lexxel), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril, in Prinzide, Zestoretic), moexipril (Univasc, in Uniretic), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril, in Accuretic, Quinaretic), ramipril (Altace), and trandolapril (Mavik, in Tarka); antidepressants; antihistamines; medications for anxiety, including lorazepam (Ativan); medications for mental illness or seizures; certain medications for diabetes such as pioglitazone (Actos, in Duetact) and rosiglitazone (Avandia, in Avandaryl, Avandamet); narcotic pain medications, including oxycodone (OxyContin, in Percocet, others); sedatives; sleeping pills; and tranquilizers. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
    • tell your doctor if you drink or have ever drunk large amounts of alcohol, use or have ever used street drugs, or have overused prescription medications. Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat; problems with your vision, bleeding problems or a low number of platelets (type of blood cell needed for blood clotting) in your blood, or heart or kidney disease.
    • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you or your partner plans to become pregnant. Also tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. If you or your partner becomes pregnant while you are taking Lyrica (pregabalin), call your doctor. Lyrica (pregabalin) has caused decreased fertility in male animals and birth defects in the offspring of male and female animals who were treated with the medication. There is not enough information to tell if Lyrica (pregabalin) causes these problems in humans.
    • if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Lyrica (pregabalin).
    • you should know that Lyrica (pregabalin) may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive a car operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how this medication affects you. Ask your doctor when you may do these activities.
    • do not drink alcohol while taking Lyrica (pregabalin). Alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medication.
    • you should know that your mental health may change in unexpected ways and you may become suicidal (thinking about harming or killing yourself or planning or trying to do so) while you are taking Lyrica (pregabalin) for the treatment of epilepsy, mental illness, or other conditions. A small number of adults and children 5 years of age and older (about 1 in 500 people) who took antiepileptics such as Lyrica (pregabalin) to treat various conditions during clinical studies became suicidal during their treatment. Some of these people developed suicidal thoughts and behavior as early as one week after they started taking the medication. There is a risk that you may experience changes in your mental health if you take an antiepileptic medication such as Lyrica (pregabalin), but there may also be a risk that you will experience changes in your mental health if your condition is not treated. You and your doctor will decide whether the risks of taking an antiepileptic medication are greater than the risks of not taking the medication. You, your family, or your caregiver should call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: panic attacks; agitation or restlessness; new or worsening irritability, anxiety, or depression; acting on dangerous impulses; difficulty falling or staying asleep; aggressive, angry, or violent behavior; mania (frenzied, abnormally excited mood); talking or thinking about wanting to hurt yourself or end your life; withdrawing from friends and family; preoccupation with death and dying; giving away prized possessions; or any other unusual changes in behavior or mood. Be sure that your family or caregiver knows which symptoms may be serious so they can call the doctor if you are unable to seek treatment on your own.
  • What special dietary instructions should I follow?

    Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

  • What should I do if I forget a dose?

    If you forget to take a dose and remember a few hours later, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

  • What side effects can this medication cause?

    Lyrica (pregabalin) may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

    • >tiredness
    • >dizziness
    • >headache
    • >dry mouth
    • >nausea
    • >vomiting
    • >constipation
    • >gas
    • >bloating
    • >''high'' or elevated mood
    • >speech problems
    • >difficulty concentrating or paying attention
    • >confusion
    • >difficulty remembering or forgetfulness
    • >anxiety
    • >lack of coordination
    • >loss of balance or unsteadiness
    • >uncontrollable shaking or jerking of a part of the body
    • >muscle twitching
    • >weakness
    • >increased appetite
    • >weight gain
    • >swelling of the arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
    • >back pain

    Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

    • blurred vision, double vision, or other changes in eyesight
    • hives
    • rash
    • itching
    • blisters
    • swelling of the eyes face, throat, mouth, lips, gums, tongue, head or neck
    • shortness of breath
    • wheezing
    • muscle pain, tenderness, soreness, or weakness, especially if it comes along with fever
    • chest pain

    If you have diabetes, you should know that Lyrica (pregabalin) has caused skin sores in animals. Pay extra attention to your skin while taking Lyrica (pregabalin), and tell your doctor if you have any sores, redness, or skin problems.

    Lyrica (pregabalin) may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

    If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

  • What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

    Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

  • In case of emergency/overdose

    In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

  • What other information should I know?

    Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to Lyrica (pregabalin).

    Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

    It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

  • Brand Names

      Lyrica®