Pregabalin (pre-GA-ba-lin)

Treats nerve and muscle pain, including fibromyalgia. Also treats partial-onset seizures.

Brand Name(s):

Lyrica, Lyrica CR

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Liquid, Long Acting Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Extended-release tablet: Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. Take it after an evening meal.
• Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. If you miss a dose of the extended-release tablet after your evening meal, take it before bedtime after a snack. If you miss the dose before bedtime, take it after your morning meal. If you do not take the dose the following morning, then take the next dose at your regular time after your evening meal. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how pregabalin works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Erythromycin
  • ACE inhibitor (including benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril, quinapril, ramipril)
  • Oral diabetes medicine (including metformin, pioglitazone, rosiglitazone)
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol. Tell your doctor if you are also using oxycodone, lorazepam, or zolpidem.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, lung or breathing problems, a bleeding disorder, diabetes, sores or skin problems, or a low blood platelet count. Tell your doctor if you have a history of angioedema (severe swelling), alcohol or drug abuse, depression, or other mood problems.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Changes in mood or behavior, including suicidal thoughts or behavior
  • Respiratory depression (serious breathing problem that can be life-threatening), when used with narcotic pain medicines
  • Peripheral edema (swelling of your hands, ankles, feet, or lower legs)
  • Increased risk for cancer and bleeding
  • Serious muscle problems
  • Heart rhythm changes
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. It may also cause blurry or double vision. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Blue lips, fingernails, or skin, trouble breathing, chest pain
• Blurry or double vision
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, general feeling of illness
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Severe dizziness or drowsiness
• Sudden mood changes, unusual moods or behavior, including extreme happiness or depression, thoughts or attempts of killing oneself
• Swelling in your throat, head, or neck
• Uneven heartbeat
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Confusion, trouble concentrating
• Constipation
• Dry mouth

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

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