Medication Monday...Lyrica...Pregabalin

Before we get to the medication I need to remind you...

• that what I am providing is NOT meant in any way to replace the conversation between you, your doctor, or your pharmacist
  
• please do not self-diagnose or make medical decisions about this drug without talking with qualified professionals
  

• the information provided here is the reference sheet you would find at WebMD. During my journey I found this site to be helpful in providing support. All credit for this information belongs to them. I copied it right from their website and I have removed the hyper-links. Please visit their site if you would like to read further.

For this installment, I have chosen Lyrica GENERIC NAME(S): Pregabalin

Uses: This medication is used to treat pain caused by nerve damage due to diabetes or to shingles (herpes zoster) infection. It may also be used to treat nerve pain caused by spinal cord injury. This medication is also used to treat pain in people with fibromyalgia.

**Please read this information carefully**  If you have any questions about what is provided here....talk with your doctor or pharmacist please.

Lyrica 
GENERIC NAME(S): PREGABALIN

Uses 
This medication is used to treat pain caused by nerve damage due to diabetes or to shingles (herpes zoster) infection. It may also be used to treat nerve pain caused by spinal cord injury. This medication is also used to treat pain in people with fibromyalgia.

It is also used with other medications to treat certain types of seizures (partial onset seizures).

How to use Lyrica Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using pregabalin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 3 times a day with or without food. Dosage is based on your medical condition, kidney function, and response to treatment.

If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

To reduce your risk of side effects (such as dizziness and drowsiness), your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. This drug works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore it is best to take pregabalin at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions (such as seizures) may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Also, you may experience symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, nausea, headache and diarrhea. To prevent these symptoms while you are stopping treatment with this drug, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Report any new or worsening symptoms immediately.

Along with its benefits, this medication may very rarely cause abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction). This risk may be increased if you have abused alcohol or drugs in the past. Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lessen the risk of addiction.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Side Effects
Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, difficulty concentrating, swollen arms/legs, and weight gain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any unlikely but serious side effects, including: blurred vision, unusual bleeding/bruising, unsteadiness, confusion, muscle pain/tenderness/weakness (especially if you are tired or have a fever), swelling of hands/legs/feet, change in amount of urine.

A small number of people who take anticonvulsants for any condition (such as seizure, bipolar disorder, pain) may experience depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, or other mental/mood problems. Tell your doctor right away if you or your family/caregiver notice any unusual/sudden changes in your mood, thoughts, or behavior including signs of depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, thoughts about harming yourself.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

LYRICA Side Effects List:  
Lyrica side effects by likelihood and severity. 
The following side effects are associated with Lyrica: 

Common side effects of Lyrica: ·                                 
                                  Blurred Vision Severe

·                                 Drowsiness Severe

·                                 Fluid Retention in the Legs, Feet, Arms or Hands Severe

·                                 Uncoordinated Severe

·                                 Weight Gain Severe

·                                 Cannot Focus ThoughtsLess Severe

·                                 Dizzy Less Severe

·                                 Dry Mouth Less Severe

Infrequent side effects of Lyrica: ·                                 
                                  Confused Severe

·                                 Decreased Blood Platelets Severe

·                                 Infection Severe

·                                 Inflammation of the Lining of the Stomach and Intestines Severe

·                                 Puffy Face from Water Retention Severe

·                                 Sensation of Spinning or Whirling Severe

·                                 Extreme Sense of Well BeingLess Severe

·                                 Feeling Weak Less Severe

·                                 Head Pain Less Severe

·                                 Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements Less Severe

·                                 Injury Less Severe

·                                 Sinus Irritation and Congestion Less Severe

·                                 Stomach Cramps Less Severe

·                                 Twitching Less Severe

Rare side effects of Lyrica: ·                                 
                                  Chest Pain Severe

·                                 Difficulty Speaking Severe

·                                 Double Vision Severe

·                                 Giant Hives Severe

·                                 Having Thoughts of Suicide Severe

·                                 Hemorrhage of Blood Under the Skin Severe

·                                 Hives Severe

·                                 Low Blood Sugar Severe

·                                 Middle Ear Infection Severe

·                                 Muscle Spasm Severe

·                                 Pink Eye Severe

·                                 Problem Behavior Severe

·                                 Problems with Bladder Control Severe

·                                 Prolonged P-R Interval observed on EKG Severe

·                                 Rash Severe

·                                 Reaction due to an Allergy Severe

·                                 Ringing in the Ears Severe

·                                 Small Skin Blister Severe

·                                 Trouble Breathing Severe

·                                 Visible Water Retention Severe

·                                 Voluntary Movement Difficulty Severe

·                                 Wheezing Severe

·                                 Abnormal Increase in Muscle Tone Less Severe

·                                 Abnormal Manner of Walking Less Severe

·                                 Altered Interest in Having Sexual Intercourse Less Severe

·                                 Anxious Less Severe

·                                 Backache Less Severe

·                                 Bronchitis Less Severe

·                                 Diarrhea Less Severe

·                                 Enlarged Breasts Less Severe

·                                 Feel Like Throwing Up Less Severe

·                                 Fever Less Severe

·                                 Fingernail and/or Toenail Disease Less Severe

·                                 Flu-Like Symptoms Less Severe

·                                 Frequent Urination Less Severe

·                                 Gas Less Severe

·                                 Inability to have an Erection Less Severe

·                                 Increased Hunger Less Severe

·                                 Involuntary Eye Movement Less Severe

·                                 Involuntary Quivering Less Severe

·                                 Itching Less Severe

·                                 Joint Pain Less Severe

·                                 Leg Cramps Less Severe

·                                 Loss of Memory Less Severe

·                                 Loss of One's Own Sense of Reality or Identity Less Severe

·                                 Low Energy Less Severe

·                                 Muscle Pain Less Severe

·                                 Muscle Weakness Less Severe

·                                 Nervous Less Severe

·                                 Numbness Less Severe

·                                 Problems with Eyesight Less Severe

·                                 Stupor Less Severe

·                                 Swelling of the AbdomenLess Severe

·                                 Throwing Up Less Severe

Precautions
Before taking pregabalin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (such as heart failure), kidney disease, history of an allergic reaction which included itching/swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat (angioedema).

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness, and confusion.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness including alcohol, antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine).

Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes
Do not share this medication with others. It is against the law.

Laboratory tests may be done to measure kidney function.

Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

MEDICAL ALERT:
 Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Information last revised July 2014. Copyright(c) 2014 First Databank, Inc.