Milnacipran Approved as Fibromyalgia Treatment
NEWSBRIEF: The U.S. FDA has approved milnacipran as a fibromyalgia treatment, according to Forest Labortories and Cypress Bioscience, who make milnacipran. The drug also has been given the brand name Savella. This is the third drug to be approved for fibromyalgia pain, following Lyrica (pregabalin) and Cymbalta (duloxetine). The companies expect Savella to be on the market by March.
Savella is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, as is Cymbalta, but Savella is the first drug in the class to boost norepinephrine more than serotonin. FDA approval stems from two Phase III clinical trials involving more than 2,000 fibromyalgia patients, according to the companies. The decision has been overdue since late October, when the FDA announced it needed more time to review data.
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Comments
*squeels, throws confetti, kisses everyone in site*
Yiiiippppeeeeee! It’s about bloody time.
Seriously, folks, it’s the best drug EVER!
BTW, Forest Research is starting a new clinical trial testing Lyrica and Milnacipran together. Sorry I don’t have a link handy, but if you live in the Pacific Northwest, the local trial is being run by PeaceHealth at the Cordata site (used to be Madrona). Call PeaceHealth and ask for the Clinical Research department.
Jodith – Really?? Can you elaborate a little about why you think it is the best?
I’d like to check it out.
Thanks
Guess I’m out of the loop. I’ve been on Elavil, which has worked pretty good for pain suppression, but leaves me exhausted.
I recently switched to Mirapex, and am having a little luck with it. I have lost some of the weight I gained on the Elavil, (11 pounds so far!)but I’ve had some break-through pain on occasions, too. I was told people generally have problems with nausea, but I haven’t. It doesn’t make me sleepy like the Elavil did, either.
I am also taking rhodiola rosea to help overcome the mental and physical exhaustion that is so prevalent with FMS. I have seen a dramatic improvement in my life with these two treatments. If you want more info on Rhodiola Rosea, see http://rhodiolarosea-adaptogens.com/ for more information about it.
I don’t think there is a miracle cure, but it has been getting better as more is discovered about FMS and the effects it has on the body. God bless each and every one of my fellow (er, sister) sufferers. Just remember that you are not alone in the struggle!
I really don’t want another weight problem,like what’s seen with the Lyrica.I’m happy,HAPPY about the Milnacipran! I can hardly wait! I’m weaning the Cymbalta NOW,in order to get ready for the new stuff!
So, are you all saying this new drug DOESN’T cause weight gain???? How do you know?? I want info!! Big Smiles to all…..Cymbalta makes me gain weight, also quit smoking .