Friday, June 29, 2007

New Drug Approved for Fibromyalgia

On June 21, 2007 the FDA approved the first medication to specifically treat Fibromyalgia symptoms. Lyrica has been approved for use in adults only.The drug, marketed by Pfizer, was previously approved for the management of post-herpetic neuralgia, diabetic peripheral neuropathy,and as an additional therapy for adults with partial onset seizures. Lyrica has been found to reduce pain and improve function in Fibromyalgia sufferers, exactly how Lyrica works is unknown at this time.The effectiveness of the drug, for Fibromyalgia treatment, was established by two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials that involved 1,800 people. Participants given doses of 300 mg or 450 mg per day experienced a lessening of their symptoms, some as early as the first week of treatment. When patients stopped taking the drug their fibromyalgia symptoms worsened. There were some side effects reported during clinical trials for patients taking Lyrica compared to placebo, I do not have numbers at this time to tell us just how many patients, out of the 1,800 experienced side effects. According to Pfizer,some common side effects reported included: dizziness drowsiness dry mouth edema blurred vision weight gain swelling of hands and feet constipation exaggerated feeling of happiness or wellness balance disorder increased appetite difficulty with concentration/attention Some other things I have found out about this drug: Pfizer will began clinical trials on the use of Lyrica in children and young adults, under the age of 18. No studies have been conducted on the use of Lyrica if you are pregnant, breast feeding or plan to become pregnant. Men planning on having children should consider the benefits vs. the risk of taking Lyrica as there may be an increased risk of birth defects. As always, inform your doctors of ALL medications you may be taking as Lyrica may interact with other medications or substances. Some possible interactions are: ~ Diabetes medications ~ Codeine ~ MS Contin ~ Morphine ~ Tricyclic antidepressants ~ Alcohol ~ Antihistamines ~ Barbiturates ~ Parkinson's medications, ~ Ativan,Xanax and Valium. Sources: New Fibromyalgia Drug Approved. June 22, 2007 . FDA Approves First Drug for Treating Fibromyalgia. FDA. June 21, 2007. . Living with Fibromyalgia, First Drug Approved. FDA Consumer Update. June 21, 2007. . Lyrica Website. June 25,2007. .

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

More Hope on the way for Fibromyalgia Sufferers?

*Note by Hailey, this article was copyrighted by UPI, I looked for the copyright rules and don't know if I can publish this following the rules, so I may take this article off. I am continuing to research the rights of this one.

Gabapentin may treat fibromyalgia pain
CINCINNATI, June 11 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say the anticonvulsant medication gabapentin might be effective in treating pain and other symptoms arising from fibromyalgia.
The results stem from a randomized, double-blind study of 150 women and men with the condition, sponsored by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
Dr. Lesley Arnold, director of the Women's Health Research Program at the University of Cincinnati's College of Medicine, and her colleagues found those taking gabapentin at dosages of 1,200 to 2,400 mg daily for 12 weeks displayed significantly less pain than those taking placebo.
Patients taking gabapentin also reported significantly better sleep and less fatigue.
"While gabapentin does not have Food and Drug Administration approval for fibromyalgia, I believe this study offers additional insight to physicians considering the drug for their fibromyalgia patients," said Dr. Stephen Katz, NIAMS director.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by chronic, widespread muscle pain and tenderness, and is frequently accompanied by fatigue, insomnia, depression, and anxiety. It affects 3 million to 6 million Americans, mostly women, and can be disabling.
The research appeared in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism.
Copyright 2007 by United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
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