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Treating Diabetic Nerve Pain

A specific type of pain requires a specific treatment


Diabetic nerve pain, or painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy, is a separate condition from diabetes. It is the result of damaged nerves caused by uncontrolled blood sugar over time or fluctuations in blood sugar. This nerve damage is what causes the pain in your feet and hands. You can’t undo the damage that has already occurred. But there are 2 things you can do.

1. 

Take control of your blood sugar


If you have diabetes, it is important to control your blood sugar. Your doctor has probably tested your A1C level before. This measures your average blood sugar level over the past 3 months. The American Diabetes Association recommends a goal of 7% or lower.

2. 

Do something to relieve diabetic nerve pain


Controlling your blood sugar can prevent further nerve damage. However, that won't reverse the damage or relieve your diabetic nerve pain. And since nerve pain isn’t like other kinds of pain, it may require a diabetic nerve pain treatment. LYRICA is approved by the FDA to treat diabetic nerve pain.

Over-the-counter pain relief pills are not approved by the FDA to treat this specific pain


Diabetic nerve pain is a form of nerve pain, a unique type of pain that is different than other types of pain, like pain from a headache, muscle ache, or sprained ankle. Over-the-counter pain relief pills are not approved by the FDA for the treatment of diabetic nerve pain. That’s why your doctor may prescribe a medicine that is specifically approved to treat diabetic nerve pain.

LYRICA is a diabetic nerve pain treatment, approved by the FDA


LYRICA is a prescription medicine for people with diabetes who suffer from diabetic nerve pain. LYRICA is taken every day to manage this pain. LYRICA can provide significant relief from diabetic nerve pain, so patients feel better.*

*Individual results may vary.
Talk to your doctor. By creating a list of your symptoms, you can tell your doctor about the pain you deal with every day. This will help determine if your pain is diabetic nerve pain. Fill out the Diabetic Nerve Pain Assessment Checklist. Ask your doctor if LYRICA can help relieve your diabetic nerve pain.
Remember, small successes are possible. Keep your blood sugar under control and find ways to manage your diabetic nerve pain. Having less pain can mean feeling better in your daily life.

LYRICA is different from many pain medicines. On the next page, you will learn how LYRICA is thought to work to treat your diabetic nerve pain.
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