Lyrica® (pregabalin): First FDA-Approved Drug for Fibromyalgia

Filed in archive News , Treatment on June 21, 2007

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by pain, fatigue and sleep problems.

Persons with fibromyalgia typically experience long-lasting or chronic pain, as well as muscle stiffness and tenderness. Fibromyalgia affects about 3 million to 6 million people in the United States each year.

The disorder mostly affects women and typically develops in early-to-middle adulthood.

There is no test for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Doctors make a diagnosis by conducting physical examinations, evaluating symptoms, and ruling out other conditions.

The first drug to treat fibromyalgia has been approved by the FDA: Lyrica® (pregabalin).

A product of Pfizer, Inc., Lyrica® is already approved for the treatment of partial seizures, pain following the rash of shingles and pain associated with diabetes nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy).

The drug works by reducing pain and improving daily functions for some patients with fibromyalgia.

Read the FDA press release.

[Photo Credit: Diabetes Health]