A study of a drug that reduces the pain of fibromyalgia and improves sleep is being published by a University of Kentucky physician in the peer-reviewed journal, Arthritis & Rheumatism.
The lead author of the study was Dr. Leslie Crofford, professor, UK College of Medicine, chief, Division of Rheumatology, and the Gloria W. Singletary Chair and Director of the Center for the Advancement of Women's Health.
"Fibromyalgia is a debilitating condition affecting as many as six million Americans, yet there is no approved treatment that relieves its core symptoms," said Crofford. "This is the first prospective study suggesting that Lyrica may be effective in improving the pain of fibromyalgia and some of its other symptoms such as sleep problems and fatigue."
Pfizer Inc's Lyrica (pregabalin) significantly reduced the pain of fibromyalgia and improved sleep, fatigue and other patient-reported conditions such as bodily pain and vitality, according to a study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism.
Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and sleep problems. Fibromyalgia is difficult to treat, with most patients continuing to have persistent symptoms even after pain management interventions. The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. In the study, patients treated with Lyrica experienced a greater reduction in pain compared to those who received placebo.
The benefit with Lyrica was demonstrated as early as the first week of treatment. In addition, a significantly greater proportion of patients receiving Lyrica versus placebo (48 percent versus 27 percent) experienced a clinically meaningful reduction of pain, as defined by a 30 percent or greater improvement in pain. Additionally, significantly more patients taking Lyrica (450 mg per day) experienced a 50 percent or greater reduction in pain at the end of the study compared with placebo (29 percent versus 13 percent, respectively).
Patients taking Lyrica reported significant improvement in the quality of sleep compared to those who received placebo, as assessed by daily sleep diaries and a sleep scale measurement. Additionally, patients taking Lyrica reported reduced fatigue on a scale of severity, distress, degree of interference in activities of daily living, and timing.
Study Background