U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): 'Living with Fibromyalgia, First Drug Approved'

If you suffer from Fibromyalgia, here's some great news for you…

For the first time ever, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a drug to treat Fibromyalgia sufferers. The drug is called LyricaTM (pregabalin). It's marketed by Pfizer Inc. and it is said to reduce pain, and improve function in people with Fibromyalgia…

"The effectiveness of Lyrica in treating fibromyalgia was established in two randomized, placebo-controlled trials of approximately 1800 people. These trials showed that treatment with Lyrica in doses of 300-450 mg per day reduced pain and improved function in patients with fibromyalgia."

– Living with Fibromyalgia, First Drug Approved, US Food and Drug Administration, June 21, 2007 –

Unfortunately Lyrica does have some side effects, including swelling of hands and feet, sleepiness, dizziness, and allergic reactions. And for some Fibromyalgia sufferers, Lyrica didn't seem to work for them. But on the whole, the approval seems to be a positive move forward for Fibromyalgia sufferers. 

The drug was approved on 21st June 2007 for treating adults who have Fibromyalgia, and who are 18 years or older. Further research is planned to determine the effect of the drug on younger sufferers.

 "This new approval marks an important advance, and we think it's reason for optimism. But we still have much more progress to make."

–  Jeffrey Siegel, M.D., clinical team leader in FDA's Division of Anesthesia, Analgesia, and Rheumatology Products, Living with Fibromyalgia, First Drug Approved, US Food and Drug Administration, June 21, 2007 –

To read Living with Fibromyalgia, First Drug Approved by US Food and Drug Administration in full  click here…