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Finding Relief From Diabetic Nerve Pain

You may realize that the shooting, burning, pins and needles pain in your feet and hands is related to your diabetes. But did you know diabetic nerve pain is actually caused by nerve damage? It starts with uncontrolled blood sugar. People with diabetes have high blood sugar levels. And over time this may cause permanent damage to the nerves. This nerve damage causes pain associated with the condition diabetic nerve pain, also referred to as painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy. But there is something you can do. LYRICA can provide significant diabetic nerve pain relief, so patients feel better.* The information in this section will help you learn how LYRICA works, what to expect, and when to expect it.

*Individual results may vary.

Why did my doctor prescribe LYRICA?


In clinical studies, LYRICA was proven effective in 2 difficult-to-treat nerve conditions—diabetic nerve pain and pain after shingles—and fibromyalgia. LYRICA was proven to provide significant relief from pain associated with these 3 conditions compared with a placebo.*

*Individual results may vary.

LYRICA is not a narcotic.

However, those who have had drug or alcohol problems may be more likely to misuse LYRICA.

What makes LYRICA different than other medicines I may have taken?


LYRICA is indicated to treat diabetic nerve pain. In the past you may have taken over-the-counter pain relief pills or narcotics when you felt that your diabetic nerve pain was getting to a point that was difficult to manage. Over-the-counter pain relief pills and narcotics are not approved by the FDA for the treatment of diabetic nerve pain. There is no generic version of LYRICA.
LYRICA has a low potential for interaction with other medicines. But it’s important to tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements.

Relief Is Possible From the Shooting, Burning, Pins and Needles Pain of Diabetic Nerve Pain



What level of pain relief can I expect?


In clinical studies, LYRICA was proven to provide significant relief from diabetic nerve pain in patients who took LYRICA compared with patients who took a placebo.* And in one of those studies, most of the patients who were taking LYRICA reported feeling significantly better.

*Individual results may vary.
It’s important to discuss your progress and any side effects you may feel with your doctor, especially in the first few weeks. Learn more about the potential side effects of LYRICA

When will I feel diabetic nerve pain relief?


It may take time for LYRICA to work. In diabetic nerve pain clinical studies, some patients felt less pain in as soon as 1 week. For others it took longer.*

*Individual results may vary.



Why does my diabetic nerve pain require a specific treatment?


Nerve pain is a specific type of pain that has many different causes. Nerve pain from diabetes is the result of damaged nerves. This type of nerve pain is long-lasting. LYRICA is a daily prescription treatment that can relieve diabetic nerve pain.

How is LYRICA believed to work?


People with diabetes have high blood sugar levels. Having high blood sugar levels over time or fluctuations in blood sugar damages nerves and can be long-lasting or even permanent. In some people, this damage causes shooting, burning, pins and needles pain in the feet and hands, known as diabetic nerve pain. LYRICA is believed to work on these damaged nerves.

It is unknown exactly how LYRICA works in the body. Animal studies suggest that LYRICA calms the nerves by reducing “extra” electrical signals sent out by overactive nerves. The implication of these studies for humans is not known.


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LYRICA is indicated to treat fibromyalgia, diabetic nerve pain, and pain after shingles. LYRICA is also indicated to treat partial onset seizures in adults with epilepsy who take 1 or more drugs for seizures.

Important Safety Information

LYRICA is not for everyone. LYRICA may cause serious, even life threatening, allergic reactions. Stop taking LYRICA and call your doctor right away if you have any signs of a serious allergic reaction. Some signs are swelling of your face, mouth, lips, gums, tongue, throat or neck or if you have any trouble breathing, or have a rash, hives or blisters.

Drugs used to treat seizures increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. LYRICA may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500. Call your doctor right away if you have new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, or unusual changes in mood or behavior. If you have suicidal thoughts or actions, do not stop LYRICA without first talking to your doctor.

LYRICA may cause swelling of your hands, legs and feet, which can be serious for people with heart problems. LYRICA may cause dizziness and sleepiness. You should not drive or work with machines until you know how LYRICA affects you. Also, tell your doctor right away about muscle pain or problems along with feeling sick and feverish, or any changes in your eyesight including blurry vision or if you have any kidney problems or get dialysis.

Some of the most common side effects of LYRICA are dizziness, blurry vision, weight gain, sleepiness, trouble concentrating, swelling of your hands and feet, dry mouth, and feeling "high." If you have diabetes, tell your doctor about any skin sores.

You may have a higher chance for swelling and hives if you are also taking angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors so tell your doctor if you are taking these medications. You may have a higher chance of swelling of your hands or feet or gaining weight if you are also taking certain diabetes medicines. Do not drink alcohol while on LYRICA. You may have a higher chance for dizziness and sleepiness if you take LYRICA with alcohol, narcotic pain medicines, or medicines for anxiety.

Before you start LYRICA, tell your doctor if you are planning to father a child, or if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you have had a drug or alcohol problem, you may be more likely to misuse LYRICA.

In studies, a specific type of blood vessel tumor was seen in mice, but not in rats. The meaning of these findings in humans is not known.

Do not stop taking LYRICA without talking to your doctor. If you stop suddenly you may have headaches, nausea, diarrhea or trouble sleeping and if you have epilepsy, you may have seizures more often.

View the Medication Guide

View the Full Prescribing Information
The product information provided in this site is intended only for residents of the United States. The products discussed herein may have different product labeling in different countries.

The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.
Copyright © 2012 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved. PBP01545A/291119-01