Study: Lyrica Safe, Effective for 1 Year

NEWSBRIEF: Researchers now say the fibromyalgia (FMS) treatment Lyrica (pregabalin) is safe and effective against chronic FMS pain for up to one year.

The findings from an open-label, extension study were presented at the World Congress on Pain. The drug's manufacturer, Pfizer Global Pharmaceuticals, conducted the year-long trial by continuing to follow 429 participants of a 13-week study. 117 people were treated with placebo.

At the end of the year, pain scores were lower for those who took 300 mg of Lyrica a day. 12.4% of participants dropped out of the study because of adverse effects. As for common side effects, researchers say more people gained weight and had puffiness in their hands and feet than in previous trials, but fewer had nervous system effects.

In June 2007, Lyrica became the first drug ever approved for FMS. It's also approved for treating seizures and neuropathy.

Related Content: Drug Treatments for Fibromyalgia