Adverse Reactions Most Commonly Leading to Discontinuation in All Premarketing Controlled Clinical Studies
In premarketing controlled trials of all adult populations combined, 14% of patients treated with pregabalin and 7% of patients treated with placebo discontinued prematurely due to adverse reactions. In the pregabalin treatment group, the adverse reactions most frequently leading to discontinuation were dizziness (4%) and somnolence (4%). In the placebo group, 1% of patients withdrew due to dizziness and less than 1% withdrew due to somnolence. Other adverse reactions that led to discontinuation from controlled trials more frequently in the pregabalin group compared to the placebo group were ataxia, confusion, asthenia, thinking abnormal, blurred vision, incoordination, and peripheral edema (1% each).
Most Common Adverse Reactions in All Controlled Clinical Studies in Adults
In premarketing controlled trials of all adult patient populations combined (including DPN, PHN, and adult patients with partial-onset seizures), dizziness, somnolence, dry mouth, edema, blurred vision, weight gain, and "thinking abnormal" (primarily difficulty with concentration/attention) were more commonly reported by subjects treated with pregabalin than by subjects treated with placebo (greater than or equal to 5% and twice the rate of that seen in placebo).
Controlled Studies with Neuropathic Pain Associated with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuation
In clinical trials in adults with neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, 9% of patients treated with pregabalin and 4% of patients treated with placebo discontinued prematurely due to adverse reactions. In the pregabalin treatment group, the most common reasons for discontinuation due to adverse reactions were dizziness (3%) and somnolence (2%). In comparison, less than 1% of placebo patients withdrew due to dizziness and somnolence. Other reasons for discontinuation from the trials, occurring with greater frequency in the pregabalin group than in the placebo group, were asthenia, confusion, and peripheral edema. Each of these events led to withdrawal in approximately 1% of patients.
Most Common Adverse Reactions
Table 4 lists all adverse reactions, regardless of causality, occurring in greater than or equal to 1% of patients with neuropathic pain associated with diabetic neuropathy in the combined pregabalin group for which the incidence was greater in this combined pregabalin group than in the placebo group. A majority of pregabalin-treated patients in clinical studies had adverse reactions with a maximum intensity of "mild" or "moderate".
Table 4. Adverse Reaction Incidence in Controlled Trials in Neuropathic Pain Associated with Diabetic Peripheral NeuropathyBody System Preferred Term | 75 mg/day [N=77] % | 150 mg/day [N=212] % | 300 mg/day [N=321] % | 600 mg/day [N=369] % | All PGB PGB: pregabalin [N=979] % | Placebo [N=459] % |
|---|
| Body as a whole |
| Asthenia | 4 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 5 | 2 |
| Accidental injury | 5 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Back pain | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Chest pain | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Face edema | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Digestive system |
| Dry mouth | 3 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 1 |
| Constipation | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Flatulence | 3 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Metabolic and nutritional disorders |
| Peripheral edema | 4 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 9 | 2 |
| Weight gain | 0 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 0 |
| Edema | 0 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Hypoglycemia | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Nervous system |
| Dizziness | 8 | 9 | 23 | 29 | 21 | 5 |
| Somnolence | 4 | 6 | 13 | 16 | 12 | 3 |
| Neuropathy | 9 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Ataxia | 6 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| Vertigo | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| Confusion | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Euphoria | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Incoordination | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Thinking abnormal Thinking abnormal primarily consists of events related to difficulty with concentration/attention but also includes events related to cognition and language problems and slowed thinking. | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Tremor | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Abnormal gait | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Amnesia | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Nervousness | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Respiratory system |
| Dyspnea | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Special senses |
| Blurry vision Investigator term; summary level term is amblyopia | 3 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Abnormal vision | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Controlled Studies in Postherpetic Neuralgia
Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuation
In clinical trials in adults with postherpetic neuralgia, 14% of patients treated with pregabalin and 7% of patients treated with placebo discontinued prematurely due to adverse reactions. In the pregabalin treatment group, the most common reasons for discontinuation due to adverse reactions were dizziness (4%) and somnolence (3%). In comparison, less than 1% of placebo patients withdrew due to dizziness and somnolence. Other reasons for discontinuation from the trials, occurring in greater frequency in the pregabalin group than in the placebo group, were confusion (2%), as well as peripheral edema, asthenia, ataxia, and abnormal gait (1% each).
Most Common Adverse Reactions
Table 5 lists all adverse reactions, regardless of causality, occurring in greater than or equal to 1% of patients with neuropathic pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia in the combined pregabalin group for which the incidence was greater in this combined pregabalin group than in the placebo group. In addition, an event is included, even if the incidence in the all pregabalin group is not greater than in the placebo group, if the incidence of the event in the 600 mg/day group is more than twice that in the placebo group. A majority of pregabalin-treated patients in clinical studies had adverse reactions with a maximum intensity of "mild" or "moderate". Overall, 12.4% of all pregabalin-treated patients and 9.0% of all placebo-treated patients had at least one severe event while 8% of pregabalin-treated patients and 4.3% of placebo-treated patients had at least one severe treatment-related adverse event.
Table 5. Adverse Reaction Incidence in Controlled Trials in Neuropathic Pain Associated with Postherpetic NeuralgiaBody System Preferred Term | 75 mg/d [N=84] % | 150 mg/d [N=302] % | 300 mg/d [N=312] % | 600 mg/d [N=154] % | All PGB PGB: pregabalin [N=852] % | Placebo [N=398] % |
|---|
| Body as a whole |
| Infection | 14 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Headache | 5 | 9 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 5 |
| Pain | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Accidental injury | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Flu syndrome | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Face edema | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Digestive system |
| Dry mouth | 7 | 7 | 6 | 15 | 8 | 3 |
| Constipation | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2 |
| Flatulence | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Vomiting | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Metabolic and nutritional disorders |
| Peripheral edema | 0 | 8 | 16 | 16 | 12 | 4 |
| Weight gain | 1 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 4 | 0 |
| Edema | 0 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 1 |
| Musculoskeletal system |
| Myasthenia | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Nervous system |
| Dizziness | 11 | 18 | 31 | 37 | 26 | 9 |
| Somnolence | 8 | 12 | 18 | 25 | 16 | 5 |
| Ataxia | 1 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 5 | 1 |
| Abnormal gait | 0 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 4 | 1 |
| Confusion | 1 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 0 |
| Thinking abnormal Thinking abnormal primarily consists of events related to difficulty with concentration/attention but also includes events related to cognition and language problems and slowed thinking. | 0 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 2 |
| Incoordination | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Amnesia | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Speech disorder | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Respiratory system |
| Bronchitis | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Special senses |
| Blurry vision Investigator term; summary level term is amblyopia | 1 | 5 | 5 | 9 | 5 | 3 |
| Diplopia | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Abnormal vision | 0 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| Eye Disorder | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Urogenital System |
| Urinary Incontinence | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Controlled Studies of Adjunctive Therapy for Partial-Onset Seizures in Adult Patients
Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuation
Approximately 15% of patients receiving pregabalin and 6% of patients receiving placebo in trials of adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures discontinued prematurely due to adverse reactions. In the pregabalin treatment group, the adverse reactions most frequently leading to discontinuation were dizziness (6%), ataxia (4%), and somnolence (3%). In comparison, less than 1% of patients in the placebo group withdrew due to each of these events. Other adverse reactions that led to discontinuation of at least 1% of patients in the pregabalin group and at least twice as frequently compared to the placebo group were asthenia, diplopia, blurred vision, thinking abnormal, nausea, tremor, vertigo, headache, and confusion (which each led to withdrawal in 2% or less of patients).
Most Common Adverse Reactions
Table 6 lists all dose-related adverse reactions occurring in at least 2% of all pregabalin-treated patients. Dose-relatedness was defined as the incidence of the adverse event in the 600 mg/day group was at least 2% greater than the rate in both the placebo and 150 mg/day groups. In these studies, 758 patients received pregabalin and 294 patients received placebo for up to 12 weeks. A majority of pregabalin-treated patients in clinical studies had adverse reactions with a maximum intensity of "mild" or "moderate".
Table 6. Dose-related Adverse Reaction Incidence in Controlled Trials of Adjunctive Therapy for Partial-Onset Seizures in Adult PatientsBody System Preferred Term | 150 mg/d [N = 185] % | 300 mg/d [N = 90] % | 600 mg/d [N = 395] % | All PGB PGB: pregabalin [N = 670]Excludes patients who received the 50 mg dose in Study E1. % | Placebo [N = 294] % |
|---|
| Body as a Whole |
| Accidental Injury | 7 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Pain | 3 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Digestive System |
| Increased Appetite | 2 | 3 | 6 | 5 | 1 |
| Dry Mouth | 1 | 2 | 6 | 4 | 1 |
| Constipation | 1 | 1 | 7 | 4 | 2 |
| Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders |
| Weight Gain | 5 | 7 | 16 | 12 | 1 |
| Peripheral Edema | 3 | 3 | 6 | 5 | 2 |
| Nervous System |
| Dizziness | 18 | 31 | 38 | 32 | 11 |
| Somnolence | 11 | 18 | 28 | 22 | 11 |
| Ataxia | 6 | 10 | 20 | 15 | 4 |
| Tremor | 3 | 7 | 11 | 8 | 4 |
| Thinking Abnormal Thinking abnormal primarily consists of events related to difficulty with concentration/attention but also includes events related to cognition and language problems and slowed thinking. | 4 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 2 |
| Amnesia | 3 | 2 | 6 | 5 | 2 |
| Speech Disorder | 1 | 2 | 7 | 5 | 1 |
| Incoordination | 1 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 1 |
| Abnormal Gait | 1 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 0 |
| Twitching | 0 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 1 |
| Confusion | 1 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 2 |
| Myoclonus | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Special Senses |
| Blurred Vision Investigator term; summary level term is amblyopia. | 5 | 8 | 12 | 10 | 4 |
| Diplopia | 5 | 7 | 12 | 9 | 4 |
| Abnormal Vision | 3 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 1 |
Controlled Studies with Fibromyalgia
Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuation
In clinical trials of patients with fibromyalgia, 19% of patients treated with pregabalin (150 mg/day to 600 mg/day) and 10% of patients treated with placebo discontinued prematurely due to adverse reactions. In the pregabalin treatment group, the most common reasons for discontinuation due to adverse reactions were dizziness (6%) and somnolence (3%). In comparison, less than 1% of placebo-treated patients withdrew due to dizziness and somnolence.
Other reasons for discontinuation from the trials, occurring with greater frequency in the pregabalin treatment group than in the placebo treatment group, were fatigue, headache, balance disorder, and weight increased. Each of these adverse reactions led to withdrawal in approximately 1% of patients.
Most Common Adverse Reactions
Table 9 lists all adverse reactions, regardless of causality, occurring in greater than or equal to 2% of patients with fibromyalgia in the 'all pregabalin' treatment group for which the incidence was greater than in the placebo treatment group. A majority of pregabalin-treated patients in clinical studies experienced adverse reactions with a maximum intensity of "mild" or "moderate".
Table 9. Adverse Reaction Incidence in Controlled Trials in Fibromyalgia| System Organ Class Preferred Term | 150 mg/d [N=132] % | 300 mg/d [N=502] % | 450 mg/d [N=505] % | 600 mg/d [N=378] % | All PGB PGB: pregabalin [N=1517] % | Placebo [N=505] % |
|---|
| Ear and Labyrinth Disorders |
| Vertigo | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Eye Disorders | | | | | | |
| Vision blurred | 8 | 7 | 7 | 12 | 8 | 1 |
| Gastrointestinal Disorders |
| Dry mouth | 7 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 2 |
| Constipation | 4 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 7 | 2 |
| Vomiting | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Flatulence | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Abdominal distension | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| General Disorders and Administrative Site Conditions |
| Fatigue | 5 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 4 |
| Edema peripheral | 5 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 6 | 2 |
| Chest pain | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Feeling abnormal | 1 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Edema | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Feeling drunk | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Infections and Infestations |
| Sinusitis | 4 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Investigations |
| Weight increased | 8 | 10 | 10 | 14 | 11 | 2 |
| Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders |
| Increased appetite | 4 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 1 |
| Fluid retention | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders |
| Arthralgia | 4 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Muscle spasms | 2 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
| Back pain | 2 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Nervous System Disorders |
| Dizziness | 23 | 31 | 43 | 45 | 38 | 9 |
| Somnolence | 13 | 18 | 22 | 22 | 20 | 4 |
| Headache | 11 | 12 | 14 | 10 | 12 | 12 |
| Disturbance in attention | 4 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 1 |
| Balance disorder | 2 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 5 | 0 |
| Memory impairment | 1 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Coordination abnormal | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| | | | | | |
| Hypoesthesia | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Lethargy | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Tremor | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Psychiatric Disorders |
| Euphoric Mood | 2 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 1 |
| Confusional state | 0 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Anxiety | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Disorientation | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Depression | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders |
| Pharyngolaryngeal pain | 2 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
Controlled Studies in Neuropathic Pain Associated with Spinal Cord Injury
Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuation
In clinical trials of adults with neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury, 13% of patients treated with pregabalin and 10% of patients treated with placebo discontinued prematurely due to adverse reactions. In the pregabalin treatment group, the most common reasons for discontinuation due to adverse reactions were somnolence (3%) and edema (2%). In comparison, none of the placebo-treated patients withdrew due to somnolence and edema. Other reasons for discontinuation from the trials, occurring with greater frequency in the pregabalin treatment group than in the placebo treatment group, were fatigue and balance disorder. Each of these adverse reactions led to withdrawal in less than 2% of patients.
Most Common Adverse Reactions
Table 10 lists all adverse reactions, regardless of causality, occurring in greater than or equal to 2% of patients for which the incidence was greater than in the placebo treatment group with neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury in the controlled trials. A majority of pregabalin-treated patients in clinical studies experienced adverse reactions with a maximum intensity of "mild" or "moderate".
Table 10. Adverse Reaction Incidence in Controlled Trials in Neuropathic Pain Associated with Spinal Cord InjurySystem Organ Class Preferred Term | PGB PGB: Pregabalin (N=182) | Placebo (N=174) |
|---|
| % | % |
|---|
| Ear and labryrinth disorders |
| Vertigo | 2.7 | 1.1 |
| Eye disorders |
| Vision blurred | 6.6 | 1.1 |
| Gastrointestinal disorders |
| Dry mouth | 11.0 | 2.9 |
| Constipation | 8.2 | 5.7 |
| Nausea | 4.9 | 4.0 |
| Vomiting | 2.7 | 1.1 |
| General disorders and administration site conditions |
| Fatigue | 11.0 | 4.0 |
| Edema peripheral | 10.4 | 5.2 |
| Edema | 8.2 | 1.1 |
| Pain | 3.3 | 1.1 |
| Infections and infestations |
| Nasopharyngitis | 8.2 | 4.6 |
| Investigations |
| Weight increased | 3.3 | 1.1 |
| Blood creatine phosphokinase increased | 2.7 | 0 |
| Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders |
| Muscular weakness | 4.9 | 1.7 |
| Pain in extremity | 3.3 | 2.3 |
| Neck pain | 2.7 | 1.1 |
| Back pain | 2.2 | 1.7 |
| Joint swelling | 2.2 | 0 |
| Nervous system disorders |
| Somnolence | 35.7 | 11.5 |
| Dizziness | 20.9 | 6.9 |
| Disturbance in attention | 3.8 | 0 |
| Memory impairment | 3.3 | 1.1 |
| Paresthesia | 2.2 | 0.6 |
| Psychiatric disorders |
| Insomnia | 3.8 | 2.9 |
| Euphoric mood | 2.2 | 0.6 |
| Renal and urinary disorders |
| Urinary incontinence | 2.7 | 1.1 |
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders |
| Decubitus ulcer | 2.7 | 1.1 |
| Vascular disorders |
| Hypertension | 2.2 | 1.1 |
| Hypotension | 2.2 | 0 |
Other Adverse Reactions Observed During the Clinical Studies of Pregabalin
Following is a list of treatment-emergent adverse reactions reported by patients treated with pregabalin during all clinical trials. The listing does not include those events already listed in the previous tables or elsewhere in labeling, those events for which a drug cause was remote, those events which were so general as to be uninformative, and those events reported only once which did not have a substantial probability of being acutely life-threatening.
Events are categorized by body system and listed in order of decreasing frequency according to the following definitions: frequent adverse reactions are those occurring on one or more occasions in at least 1/100 patients; infrequent adverse reactions are those occurring in 1/100 to 1/1000 patients; rare reactions are those occurring in fewer than 1/1000 patients. Events of major clinical importance are described in the Warnings and Precautions section (5).
Body as a Whole – Frequent: Abdominal pain, Allergic reaction, Fever, Infrequent: Abscess, Cellulitis, Chills, Malaise, Neck rigidity, Overdose, Pelvic pain, Photosensitivity reaction, Rare: Anaphylactoid reaction, Ascites, Granuloma, Hangover effect, Intentional Injury, Retroperitoneal Fibrosis, Shock
Cardiovascular System – Infrequent: Deep thrombophlebitis, Heart failure, Hypotension, Postural hypotension, Retinal vascular disorder, Syncope; Rare: ST Depressed, Ventricular Fibrillation
Digestive System – Frequent: Gastroenteritis, Increased appetite; Infrequent: Cholecystitis, Cholelithiasis, Colitis, Dysphagia, Esophagitis, Gastritis, Gastrointestinal hemorrhage, Melena, Mouth ulceration, Pancreatitis, Rectal hemorrhage, Tongue edema; Rare: Aphthous stomatitis, Esophageal Ulcer, Periodontal abscess
Hemic and Lymphatic System – Frequent: Ecchymosis; Infrequent: Anemia, Eosinophilia, Hypochromic anemia, Leukocytosis, Leukopenia, Lymphadenopathy, Thrombocytopenia; Rare: Myelofibrosis, Polycythemia, Prothrombin decreased, Purpura, Thrombocythemia, Alanine aminotransferase increased, Aspartate aminotransferase increased
Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders – Rare: Glucose Tolerance Decreased, Urate Crystalluria
Musculoskeletal System – Frequent: Arthralgia, Leg cramps, Myalgia, Myasthenia; Infrequent: Arthrosis; Rare: Chondrodystrophy, Generalized Spasm
Nervous System – Frequent: Anxiety, Depersonalization, Hypertonia, Hypoesthesia, Libido decreased, Nystagmus, Paresthesia, Sedation, Stupor, Twitching; Infrequent: Abnormal dreams, Agitation, Apathy, Aphasia, Circumoral paresthesia, Dysarthria, Hallucinations, Hostility, Hyperalgesia, Hyperesthesia, Hyperkinesia, Hypokinesia, Hypotonia, Libido increased, Myoclonus, Neuralgia; Rare: Addiction, Cerebellar syndrome, Cogwheel rigidity, Coma, Delirium, Delusions, Dysautonomia, Dyskinesia, Dystonia, Encephalopathy, Extrapyramidal syndrome, Guillain-Barré syndrome, Hypalgesia, Intracranial hypertension, Manic reaction, Paranoid reaction, Peripheral neuritis, Personality disorder, Psychotic depression, Schizophrenic reaction, Sleep disorder, Torticollis, Trismus
Respiratory System – Rare: Apnea, Atelectasis, Bronchiolitis, Hiccup, Laryngismus, Lung edema, Lung fibrosis, Yawn
Skin and Appendages – Frequent: Pruritus, Infrequent: Alopecia, Dry skin, Eczema, Hirsutism, Skin ulcer, Urticaria, Vesiculobullous rash; Rare: Angioedema, Exfoliative dermatitis, Lichenoid dermatitis, Melanosis, Nail Disorder, Petechial rash, Purpuric rash, Pustular rash, Skin atrophy, Skin necrosis, Skin nodule, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Subcutaneous nodule
Special senses – Frequent: Conjunctivitis, Diplopia, Otitis media, Tinnitus; Infrequent: Abnormality of accommodation, Blepharitis, Dry eyes, Eye hemorrhage, Hyperacusis, Photophobia, Retinal edema, Taste loss, Taste perversion; Rare: Anisocoria, Blindness, Corneal ulcer, Exophthalmos, Extraocular palsy, Iritis, Keratitis, Keratoconjunctivitis, Miosis, Mydriasis, Night blindness, Ophthalmoplegia, Optic atrophy, Papilledema, Parosmia, Ptosis, Uveitis
Urogenital System – Frequent: Anorgasmia, Impotence, Urinary frequency, Urinary incontinence; Infrequent: Abnormal ejaculation, Albuminuria, Amenorrhea, Dysmenorrhea, Dysuria, Hematuria, Kidney calculus, Leukorrhea, Menorrhagia, Metrorrhagia, Nephritis, Oliguria, Urinary retention, Urine abnormality; Rare: Acute kidney failure, Balanitis, Bladder Neoplasm, Cervicitis, Dyspareunia, Epididymitis, Female lactation, Glomerulitis, Ovarian disorder, Pyelonephritis
Comparison of Gender and Race
The overall adverse event profile of pregabalin was similar between women and men. There are insufficient data to support a statement regarding the distribution of adverse experience reports by race.
Pediatric use information is approved for Pfizer's LYRICA (pregabalin) Capsules and Oral Solution products. However, due to Pfizer's marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that pediatric information.
Pharmacodynamics
Multiple oral doses of pregabalin were co-administered with oxycodone, lorazepam, or ethanol. Although no pharmacokinetic interactions were seen, additive effects on cognitive and gross motor functioning were seen when pregabalin was co-administered with these drugs. No clinically important effects on respiration were seen.
Pregnancy Exposure Registry
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to pregabalin during pregnancy. To provide information regarding the effects of in utero exposure to pregabalin, physicians are advised to recommend that pregnant patients taking pregabalin enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry. This can be done by calling the toll free number 1-888-233-2334, and must be done by patients themselves. Information on the registry can also be found at the website http://www.aedpregnancyregistry.org/.
Risk Summary
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with pregabalin in pregnant women.
However, in animal reproduction studies, increased incidences of fetal structural abnormalities and other manifestations of developmental toxicity, including skeletal malformations, retarded ossification, and decreased fetal body weight were observed in the offspring of rats and rabbits given pregabalin orally during organogenesis, at doses that produced plasma pregabalin exposures (AUC) greater than or equal to 16 times human exposure at the maximum recommended dose (MRD) of 600 mg/day [see Data]. In an animal development study, lethality, growth retardation, and nervous and reproductive system functional impairment were observed in the offspring of rats given pregabalin during gestation and lactation. The no-effect dose for developmental toxicity was approximately twice the human exposure at MRD. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations are unknown. However, the background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2-4% and of miscarriage is 15-20% of clinically recognized pregnancies. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus.
Data
Animal DataWhen pregnant rats were given pregabalin (500 mg/kg, 1250 mg/kg, or 2500 mg/kg) orally throughout the period of organogenesis, incidences of specific skull alterations attributed to abnormally advanced ossification (premature fusion of the jugal and nasal sutures) were increased at greater than or equal to 1250 mg/kg, and incidences of skeletal variations and retarded ossification were increased at all doses. Fetal body weights were decreased at the highest dose. The low dose in this study was associated with a plasma exposure (AUC) approximately 17 times human exposure at the MRD of 600 mg/day. A no-effect dose for rat embryo-fetal developmental toxicity was not established.
When pregnant rabbits were given pregabalin (250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, or 1250 mg/kg) orally throughout the period of organogenesis, decreased fetal body weight and increased incidences of skeletal malformations, visceral variations, and retarded ossification were observed at the highest dose. The no-effect dose for developmental toxicity in rabbits (500 mg/kg) was associated with a plasma exposure approximately 16 times human exposure at the MRD.
In a study in which female rats were dosed with pregabalin (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, 1250 mg/kg, or 2500 mg/kg) throughout gestation and lactation, offspring growth was reduced at greater than or equal to 100 mg/kg and offspring survival was decreased at greater than or equal to 250 mg/kg. The effect on offspring survival was pronounced at doses greater than or equal to 1250 mg/kg, with 100% mortality in high-dose litters. When offspring were tested as adults, neurobehavioral abnormalities (decreased auditory startle responding) were observed at greater than or equal to 250 mg/kg and reproductive impairment (decreased fertility and litter size) was seen at 1250 mg/kg. The no-effect dose for pre- and postnatal developmental toxicity in rats (50 mg/kg) produced a plasma exposure approximately 2 times human exposure at the MRD.
In the prenatal-postnatal study in rats, pregabalin prolonged gestation and induced dystocia at exposures greater than or equal to 50 times the mean human exposure (AUC(0–24) of 123 mcg∙hr/mL) at the MRD.
Risk Summary
Small amounts of pregabalin have been detected in the milk of lactating women. A pharmacokinetic study in lactating women detected pregabalin in breast milk at average steady state concentrations approximately 76% of those in maternal plasma. The estimated average daily infant dose of pregabalin from breast milk (assuming mean milk consumption of 150 mL/kg/day) was 0.31 mg/kg/day, which on a mg/kg basis would be approximately 7% of the maternal dose [see Data]. The study did not evaluate the effects of pregabalin on milk production or the effects of pregabalin on the breastfed infant.
Based on animal studies, there is a potential risk of tumorigenicity with pregabalin exposure via breast milk to the breastfed infant [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)]. Available clinical study data in patients greater than 12 years of age do not provide a clear conclusion about the potential risk of tumorigenicity with pregabalin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]. Because of the potential risk of tumorigenicity, breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with pregabalin.
Data
A pharmacokinetic study in ten lactating women, who were at least 12 weeks postpartum, evaluated the concentrations of pregabalin in plasma and breast milk. Pregabalin 150 mg oral capsule was given every 12 hours (300 mg daily dose) for a total of four doses. Pregabalin was detected in breast milk at average steady-state concentrations approximately 76% of those in maternal plasma. The estimated average daily infant dose of pregabalin from breast milk (assuming mean milk consumption of 150 mL/kg/day) was 0.31 mg/kg/day, which on a mg/kg basis would be approximately 7% of the maternal dose. The study did not evaluate the effects of pregabalin on milk production. Infants did not receive breast milk obtained during the dosing period, therefore, the effects of pregabalin on the breast fed infant were not evaluated.
Infertility
Male
Effects on Spermatogenesis
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled non-inferiority study to assess the effect of pregabalin on sperm characteristics, healthy male subjects received pregabalin at a daily dose up to 600 mg (n=111) or placebo (n=109) for 13 weeks (one complete sperm cycle) followed by a 13-week washout period (off-drug). A total of 65 subjects in the pregabalin group (59%) and 62 subjects in the placebo group (57%) were included in the per protocol (PP) population. These subjects took study drug for at least 8 weeks, had appropriate timing of semen collections and did not have any significant protocol violations. Among these subjects, approximately 9% of the pregabalin group (6/65) vs. 3% in the placebo group (2/62) had greater than or equal to 50% reduction in mean sperm concentrations from baseline at Week 26 (the primary endpoint). The difference between pregabalin and placebo was within the pre-specified non-inferiority margin of 20%. There were no adverse effects of pregabalin on sperm morphology, sperm motility, serum FSH or serum testosterone levels as compared to placebo. In subjects in the PP population with greater than or equal to 50% reduction in sperm concentration from baseline, sperm concentrations were no longer reduced by greater than or equal to 50% in any affected subject after an additional 3 months off-drug. In one subject, however, subsequent semen analyses demonstrated reductions from baseline of greater than or equal to 50% at 9 and 12 months off-drug. The clinical relevance of these data is unknown.
In the animal fertility study with pregabalin in male rats, adverse reproductive and developmental effects were observed [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)].
Neuropathic Pain Associated with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, Postherpetic Neuralgia, and Neuropathic Pain Associated with Spinal Cord Injury
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
Fibromyalgia
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
A 15-week, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 107 pediatric patients with fibromyalgia, ages 12 through 17 years, at pregabalin total daily doses of 75 mg to 450 mg per day. The primary efficacy endpoint of change from baseline to Week 15 in mean pain intensity (derived from an 11-point numeric rating scale) showed numerically greater improvement for the pregabalin-treated patients compared to placebo-treated patients, but did not reach statistical significance. The most frequently observed adverse reactions in the clinical trial included dizziness, nausea, headache, weight increased, and fatigue. The overall safety profile in adolescents was similar to that observed in adults with fibromyalgia.
Adjunctive Therapy for Partial-Onset Seizures
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 1 month have not been established.
Juvenile Animal Data
In studies in which pregabalin (50 mg/kg to 500 mg/kg) was orally administered to young rats from early in the postnatal period (Postnatal Day 7) through sexual maturity, neurobehavioral abnormalities (deficits in learning and memory, altered locomotor activity, decreased auditory startle responding and habituation) and reproductive impairment (delayed sexual maturation and decreased fertility in males and females) were observed at doses greater than or equal to 50 mg/kg. The neurobehavioral changes of acoustic startle persisted at greater than or equal to 250 mg/kg and locomotor activity and water maze performance at greater than or equal to 500 mg/kg in animals tested after cessation of dosing and, thus, were considered to represent long-term effects. The low effect dose for developmental neurotoxicity and reproductive impairment in juvenile rats (50 mg/kg) was associated with a plasma pregabalin exposure (AUC) approximately equal to human exposure at the maximum recommended dose of 600 mg/day. A no-effect dose was not established.
Information describing a clinical study in which efficacy was not demonstrated in patients is approved for Pfizer Inc.'s Lyrica® (pregabalin) products. Additional pediatric use information is approved for Pfizer's LYRICA (pregabalin) Capsules and Oral Solution products. However, due to Pfizer's marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that pediatric information.
Signs, Symptoms and Laboratory Findings of Acute Overdosage in HumansIn the postmarketing experience, the most commonly reported adverse events observed with pregabalin when taken in overdose include reduced consciousness, depression/anxiety, confusional state, agitation, and restlessness. Seizures and heart block have also been reported. Deaths have been reported in the setting of lone pregabalin overdose and in combination with other CNS depressants.
Treatment or Management of Overdose
There is no specific antidote for overdose with pregabalin. If indicated, elimination of unabsorbed drug may be attempted by emesis or gastric lavage; observe usual precautions to maintain the airway. General supportive care of the patient is indicated including monitoring of vital signs and observation of the clinical status of the patient. Contact a Certified Poison Control Center for up-to-date information on the management of overdose with pregabalin.
Pregabalin can be removed by hemodialysis. Standard hemodialysis procedures result in significant clearance of pregabalin (approximately 50% in 4 hours).
Absorption and Distribution
Following oral administration of pregabalin capsules under fasting conditions, peak plasma concentrations occur within 1.5 hours. Pregabalin oral bioavailability is greater than or equal to 90% and is independent of dose. Following single- (25 mg to 300 mg) and multiple-dose (75 mg/day to 900 mg/day) administration, maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) and area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) values increase linearly. Following repeated administration, steady state is achieved within 24 to 48 hours. Multiple-dose pharmacokinetics can be predicted from single-dose data.
The rate of pregabalin absorption is decreased when given with food, resulting in a decrease in Cmax of approximately 25% to 30% and an increase in Tmax to approximately 3 hours. However, administration of pregabalin with food has no clinically relevant effect on the total absorption of pregabalin. Therefore, pregabalin can be taken with or without food.
Pregabalin does not bind to plasma proteins. The apparent volume of distribution of pregabalin following oral administration is approximately 0.5 L/kg. Pregabalin is a substrate for system L transporter which is responsible for the transport of large amino acids across the blood brain barrier. Although there are no data in humans, pregabalin has been shown to cross the blood brain barrier in mice, rats, and monkeys. In addition, pregabalin has been shown to cross the placenta in rats and is present in the milk of lactating rats.
Metabolism and Elimination
Pregabalin undergoes negligible metabolism in humans. Following a dose of radiolabeled pregabalin, approximately 90% of the administered dose was recovered in the urine as unchanged pregabalin. The N-methylated derivative of pregabalin, the major metabolite of pregabalin found in urine, accounted for 0.9% of the dose. In preclinical studies, pregabalin (S-enantiomer) did not undergo racemization to the R-enantiomer in mice, rats, rabbits, or monkeys.
Pregabalin is eliminated from the systemic circulation primarily by renal excretion as unchanged drug with a mean elimination half-life of 6.3 hours in subjects with normal renal function. Mean renal clearance was estimated to be 67.0 mL/min to 80.9 mL/min in young healthy subjects. Because pregabalin is not bound to plasma proteins this clearance rate indicates that renal tubular reabsorption is involved. Pregabalin elimination is nearly proportional to creatinine clearance (CLcr) [see Dosage and Administration, (2.7)].
Pharmacokinetics in Specific Populations
Race
In population pharmacokinetic analyses of the clinical studies in various populations, the pharmacokinetics of pregabalin were not significantly affected by race (Caucasians, Blacks, and Hispanics).
Gender
Population pharmacokinetic analyses of the clinical studies showed that the relationship between daily dose and pregabalin drug exposure is similar between genders.
Renal Impairment and Hemodialysis
Pregabalin clearance is nearly proportional to creatinine clearance (CLcr). Dosage reduction in patients with renal dysfunction is necessary. Pregabalin is effectively removed from plasma by hemodialysis. Following a 4-hour hemodialysis treatment, plasma pregabalin concentrations are reduced by approximately 50%. For patients on hemodialysis, dosing must be modified [see Dosage and Administration (2.7)].
Elderly
Pregabalin oral clearance tended to decrease with increasing age. This decrease in pregabalin oral clearance is consistent with age-related decreases in CLcr. Reduction of pregabalin dose may be required in patients who have age-related compromised renal function [see Dosage and Administration, (2.7)].
Pediatric Pharmacokinetics
Pediatric use information is approved for Pfizer's LYRICA (pregabalin) Capsules and Oral Solution products. However, due to Pfizer's marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that pediatric information.
Drug Interactions
In Vitro Studies
Pregabalin, at concentrations that were, in general, 10-times those attained in clinical trials, does not inhibit human CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, and CYP3A4 enzyme systems. In vitro drug interaction studies demonstrate that pregabalin does not induce CYP1A2 or CYP3A4 activity. Therefore, an increase in the metabolism of coadministered CYP1A2 substrates (e.g., theophylline, caffeine) or CYP 3A4 substrates (e.g., midazolam, testosterone) is not anticipated.
In Vivo Studies
The drug interaction studies described in this section were conducted in healthy adults, and across various patient populations.
Gabapentin
The pharmacokinetic interactions of pregabalin and gabapentin were investigated in 12 healthy subjects following concomitant single-dose administration of 100-mg pregabalin and 300-mg gabapentin and in 18 healthy subjects following concomitant multiple-dose administration of 200-mg pregabalin every 8 hours and 400-mg gabapentin every 8 hours. Gabapentin pharmacokinetics following single- and multiple-dose administration were unaltered by pregabalin coadministration. The extent of pregabalin absorption was unaffected by gabapentin coadministration, although there was a small reduction in rate of absorption.
Oral Contraceptive
Pregabalin coadministration (200 mg three times a day) had no effect on the steady-state pharmacokinetics of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol (1 mg/35 mcg, respectively) in healthy subjects.
Lorazepam
Multiple-dose administration of pregabalin (300 mg twice a day) in healthy subjects had no effect on the rate and extent of lorazepam single-dose pharmacokinetics and single-dose administration of lorazepam (1 mg) had no effect on the steady-state pharmacokinetics of pregabalin.
Oxycodone
Multiple-dose administration of pregabalin (300 mg twice a day) in healthy subjects had no effect on the rate and extent of oxycodone single-dose pharmacokinetics. Single-dose administration of oxycodone (10 mg) had no effect on the steady-state pharmacokinetics of pregabalin.
Ethanol
Multiple-dose administration of pregabalin (300 mg twice a day) in healthy subjects had no effect on the rate and extent of ethanol single-dose pharmacokinetics and single-dose administration of ethanol (0.7 g/kg) had no effect on the steady-state pharmacokinetics of pregabalin.
Phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproic acid, and lamotrigine
Steady-state trough plasma concentrations of phenytoin, carbamazepine and carbamazepine 10, 11 epoxide, valproic acid, and lamotrigine were not affected by concomitant pregabalin (200 mg three times a day) administration.
Population pharmacokinetic analyses in patients treated with pregabalin and various concomitant medications suggest the following:
| Therapeutic class | Specific concomitant drug studied |
|---|
| Concomitant drug has no effect on the pharmacokinetics of pregabalin |
| Hypoglycemics | Glyburide, insulin, metformin |
| Diuretics | Furosemide |
| Antiepileptic Drugs | Tiagabine |
| Concomitant drug has no effect on the pharmacokinetics of pregabalin and pregabalin has no effect on the pharmacokinetics of concomitant drug |
| Antiepileptic Drugs | Carbamazepine, lamotrigine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, topiramate, valproic acid |
Carcinogenesis
A dose-dependent increase in the incidence of malignant vascular tumors (hemangiosarcomas) was observed in two strains of mice (B6C3F1 and CD-1) given pregabalin (200 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, or 5000 mg/kg) in the diet for two years. Plasma pregabalin exposure (AUC) in mice receiving the lowest dose that increased hemangiosarcomas was approximately equal to the human exposure at the maximum recommended dose (MRD) of 600 mg/day. A no-effect dose for induction of hemangiosarcomas in mice was not established. No evidence of carcinogenicity was seen in two studies in Wistar rats following dietary administration of pregabalin for two years at doses (50 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg, or 450 mg/kg in males and 100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, or 900 mg/kg in females) that were associated with plasma exposures in males and females up to approximately 14 and 24 times, respectively, human exposure at the MRD.
Mutagenesis
Pregabalin was not mutagenic in bacteria or in mammalian cells in vitro, was not clastogenic in mammalian systems in vitro and in vivo, and did not induce unscheduled DNA synthesis in mouse or rat hepatocytes.
Impairment of Fertility
In fertility studies in which male rats were orally administered pregabalin (50 mg/kg to 2500 mg/kg) prior to and during mating with untreated females, a number of adverse reproductive and developmental effects were observed. These included decreased sperm counts and sperm motility, increased sperm abnormalities, reduced fertility, increased preimplantation embryo loss, decreased litter size, decreased fetal body weights, and an increased incidence of fetal abnormalities. Effects on sperm and fertility parameters were reversible in studies of this duration (3 to 4 months). The no-effect dose for male reproductive toxicity in these studies (100 mg/kg) was associated with a plasma pregabalin exposure (AUC) approximately 3 times human exposure at the maximum recommended dose (MRD) of 600 mg/day.
In addition, adverse reactions on reproductive organ (testes, epididymides) histopathology were observed in male rats exposed to pregabalin (500 mg/kg to 1250 mg/kg) in general toxicology studies of four weeks or greater duration. The no-effect dose for male reproductive organ histopathology in rats (250 mg/kg) was associated with a plasma exposure approximately 8 times human exposure at the MRD.
In a fertility study in which female rats were given pregabalin (500 mg/kg, 1250 mg/kg, or 2500 mg/kg) orally prior to and during mating and early gestation, disrupted estrous cyclicity and an increased number of days to mating were seen at all doses, and embryolethality occurred at the highest dose. The low dose in this study produced a plasma exposure approximately 9 times that in humans receiving the MRD. A no-effect dose for female reproductive toxicity in rats was not established.
Dermatopathy
Skin lesions ranging from erythema to necrosis were seen in repeated-dose toxicology studies in both rats and monkeys. The etiology of these skin lesions is unknown. At the maximum recommended human dose (MRD) of 600 mg/day, there is a 2-fold safety margin for the dermatological lesions. The more severe dermatopathies involving necrosis were associated with pregabalin exposures (as expressed by plasma AUCs) of approximately 3 to 8 times those achieved in humans given the MRD. No increase in incidence of skin lesions was observed in clinical studies.
Ocular Lesions
Ocular lesions (characterized by retinal atrophy [including loss of photoreceptor cells] and/or corneal inflammation/mineralization) were observed in two lifetime carcinogenicity studies in Wistar rats. These findings were observed at plasma pregabalin exposures (AUC) greater than or equal to 2 times those achieved in humans given the maximum recommended dose of 600 mg/day. A no-effect dose for ocular lesions was not established. Similar lesions were not observed in lifetime carcinogenicity studies in two strains of mice or in monkeys treated for 1 year.
Study DPN 1: This 5-week study compared pregabalin 25 mg, 100 mg, or 200 mg three times a day with placebo. Treatment with pregabalin 100 mg and 200 mg three times a day statistically significantly improved the endpoint mean pain score and increased the proportion of patients with at least a 50% reduction in pain score from baseline. There was no evidence of a greater effect on pain scores of the 200 mg three times a day dose than the 100 mg three times a day dose, but there was evidence of dose dependent adverse reactions [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. For a range of levels of improvement in pain intensity from baseline to study endpoint, Figure 1 shows the fraction of patients achieving that level of improvement. The figure is cumulative, so that patients whose change from baseline is, for example, 50%, are also included at every level of improvement below 50%. Patients who did not complete the study were assigned 0% improvement. Some patients experienced a decrease in pain as early as Week 1, which persisted throughout the study.
Figure 1: Patients Achieving Various Levels of Improvement in Pain Intensity – Study DPN 1
Study DPN 2: This 8-week study compared pregabalin 100 mg three times a day with placebo. Treatment with pregabalin 100 mg three times a day statistically significantly improved the endpoint mean pain score and increased the proportion of patients with at least a 50% reduction in pain score from baseline. For various levels of improvement in pain intensity from baseline to study endpoint, Figure 2 shows the fraction of patients achieving that level of improvement. The figure is cumulative, so that patients whose change from baseline is, for example, 50%, are also included at every level of improvement below 50%. Patients who did not complete the study were assigned 0% improvement. Some patients experienced a decrease in pain as early as Week 1, which persisted throughout the study.
Figure 2: Patients Achieving Various Levels of Improvement in Pain Intensity– Study DPN 2
Study PHN 1: This 13-week study compared pregabalin 75 mg, 150 mg, and 300 mg twice daily with placebo. Patients with creatinine clearance (CLcr) between 30 mL/min to 60 mL/min were randomized to 75 mg, 150 mg, or placebo twice daily. Patients with creatinine clearance greater than 60 mL/min were randomized to 75 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg or placebo twice daily. In patients with creatinine clearance greater than 60 mL/min treatment with all doses of pregabalin statistically significantly improved the endpoint mean pain score and increased the proportion of patients with at least a 50% reduction in pain score from baseline. Despite differences in dosing based on renal function, patients with creatinine clearance between 30 mL/min to 60 mL/min tolerated pregabalin less well than patients with creatinine clearance greater than 60 mL/min as evidenced by higher rates of discontinuation due to adverse reactions. For various levels of improvement in pain intensity from baseline to study endpoint, Figure 3 shows the fraction of patients achieving that level of improvement. The figure is cumulative, so that patients whose change from baseline is, for example, 50%, are also included at every level of improvement below 50%. Patients who did not complete the study were assigned 0% improvement. Some patients experienced a decrease in pain as early as Week 1, which persisted throughout the study.
Figure 3: Patients Achieving Various Levels of Improvement in Pain Intensity– Study PHN 1
Study PHN 2: This 8-week study compared pregabalin 100 mg or 200 mg three times a day with placebo, with doses assigned based on creatinine clearance. Patients with creatinine clearance between 30 mL/min to 60 mL/min were treated with 100 mg three times a day, and patients with creatinine clearance greater than 60 mL/min were treated with 200 mg three times daily. Treatment with pregabalin statistically significantly improved the endpoint mean pain score and increased the proportion of patients with at least a 50% reduction in pain score from baseline. For various levels of improvement in pain intensity from baseline to study endpoint, Figure 4 shows the fraction of patients achieving those levels of improvement. The figure is cumulative, so that patients whose change from baseline is, for example, 50%, are also included at every level of improvement below 50%. Patients who did not complete the study were assigned 0% improvement. Some patients experienced a decrease in pain as early as Week 1, which persisted throughout the study.
Figure 4: Patients Achieving Various Levels of Improvement in Pain Intensity – Study PHN 2
Study PHN 3: This 8-week study compared pregabalin 50 mg or 100 mg three times a day with placebo with doses assigned regardless of creatinine clearance. Treatment with pregabalin 50 mg and 100 mg three times a day statistically significantly improved the endpoint mean pain score and increased the proportion of patients with at least a 50% reduction in pain score from baseline. Patients with creatinine clearance between 30 mL/min to 60 mL/min tolerated pregabalin less well than patients with creatinine clearance greater than 60 mL/min as evidenced by markedly higher rates of discontinuation due to adverse reactions. For various levels of improvement in pain intensity from baseline to study endpoint, Figure 5 shows the fraction of patients achieving that level of improvement. The figure is cumulative, so that patients whose change from baseline is, for example, 50%, are also included at every level of improvement below 50%. Patients who did not complete the study were assigned 0% improvement. Some patients experienced a decrease in pain as early as Week 1, which persisted throughout the study.
Figure 5: Patients Achieving Various Levels of Improvement in Pain Intensity– Study PHN 3
Adjunctive Therapy for Partial-Onset Seizures in Adult Patients
The efficacy of pregabalin as adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures in adult patients was established in three 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter studies. Patients were enrolled who had partial-onset seizures with or without secondary generalization and were not adequately controlled with 1 to 3 concomitant antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Patients taking gabapentin were required to discontinue gabapentin treatment 1 week prior to entering baseline. During an 8-week baseline period, patients had to experience at least 6 partial-onset seizures with no seizure-free period exceeding 4 weeks. The mean duration of epilepsy wa s 25 years in these 3 studies and the mean and median baseline seizure frequencies were 22.5 and 10 seizures per month, respectively. Approximately half of the patients were taking 2 concurrent AEDs at baseline. Among the pregabalin-treated patients, 80% completed the double-blind phase of the studies.
Table 11 shows median baseline seizure rates and median percent reduction in seizure frequency by dose.
Table 11. Seizure Response in Controlled, Adjunctive Epilepsy Studies in Adults| Daily Dose of Pregabalin | Dosing Regimen | N | Baseline Seizure Frequency/mo | Median % Change from Baseline | p-value, vs. placebo |
|---|
| Study E1 | | | | | |
| Placebo | BID | 100 | 9.5 | 0 | |
| 50 mg/day | BID | 88 | 10.3 | -9 | 0.4230 |
| 150 mg/day | BID | 86 | 8.8 | -35 | 0.0001 |
| 300 mg/day | BID | 90 | 9.8 | -37 | 0.0001 |
| 600 mg/day | BID | 89 | 9.0 | -51 | 0.0001 |
| Study E2 | | | | | |
| Placebo | TID | 96 | 9.3 | 1 | |
| 150 mg/day | TID | 99 | 11.5 | -17 | 0.0007 |
| 600 mg/day | TID | 92 | 12.3 | -43 | 0.0001 |
| Study E3 | | | | | |
| Placebo | BID/TID | 98 | 11 | -1 | |
| 600 mg/day | BID | 103 | 9.5 | -36 | 0.0001 |
| 600 mg/day | TID | 111 | 10 | -48 | 0.0001 |
In the first study (E1), there was evidence of a dose-response relationship for total daily doses of pregabalin between 150 mg/day and 600 mg/day; a dose of 50 mg/day was not effective. In the first study (E1), each daily dose was divided into two equal doses (twice a day dosing). In the second study (E2), each daily dose was divided into three equal doses (three times a day dosing). In the third study (E3), the same total daily dose was divided into two equal doses for one group (twice a day dosing) and three equal doses for another group (three times a day dosing). While the three times a day dosing group in Study E3 performed numerically better than the twice a day dosing group, this difference was small and not statistically significant.
A secondary outcome measure included the responder rate (proportion of patients with greater than or equal to 50% reduction from baseline in partial seizure frequency). The following figure displays responder rate by dose for two of the studies.
Figure 6: Responder Rate by Adjunctive Epilepsy Study
*statistically significant vs. placebo
Figure 7: Seizure Reduction by Dose (All Partial-Onset Seizures) for Studies E1, E2, and E3
Subset evaluations of the antiseizure efficacy of pregabalin showed no clinically important differences as a function of age, gender, or race.
Pediatric use information is approved for Pfizer's LYRICA (pregabalin) Capsules and Oral Solution products. However, due to Pfizer's marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that pediatric information.
Study F1: This 14-week study compared pregabalin total daily doses of 300 mg, 450 mg and 600 mg with placebo. Patients were enrolled with a minimum mean baseline pain score of greater than or equal to 4 on an 11-point numeric pain rating scale and a score of greater than or equal to 40 mm on the 100 mm pain visual analog scale (VAS). The baseline mean pain score in this trial was 6.7. Responders to placebo in an initial one-week run-in phase were not randomized into subsequent phases of the study. A total of 64% of patients randomized to pregabalin completed the study. There was no evidence of a greater effect on pain scores of the 600 mg daily dose than the 450 mg daily dose, but there was evidence of dose-dependent adverse reactions [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Some patients experienced a decrease in pain as early as Week 1, which persisted throughout the study. The results are summarized in Figure 9 and Table 14.
For various levels of improvement in pain intensity from baseline to study endpoint, Figure 9 shows the fraction of patients achieving that level of improvement. The figure is cumulative. Patients who did not complete the study were assigned 0% improvement. Some patients experienced a decrease in pain as early as Week 1, which persisted throughout the study.
Figure 9: Patients Achieving Various Levels of Improvement in Pain Intensity – Fibromyalgia Study F1
Table 14. Patient Global Response in Fibromyalgia Study F1| Patient Global Impression of Change |
|---|
| Treatment Group (mg/day) | % Any Improvement | 95% CI |
|---|
| Placebo | 47.6 | (40.0, 55.2) |
| PGB 300 | 68.1 | (60.9, 75.3) |
| PGB 450 | 77.8 | (71.5, 84.0) |
| PGB 600 | 66.1 | (59.1, 73.1) |
| PGB = Pregabalin |
Study F2: This randomized withdrawal study compared pregabalin with placebo. Patients were titrated during a 6-week open-label dose optimization phase to a total daily dose of 300 mg, 450 mg, or 600 mg. Patients were considered to be responders if they had both: 1) at least a 50% reduction in pain (VAS) and, 2) rated their overall improvement on the PGIC as "much improved" or "very much improved." Those who responded to treatment were then randomized in the double-blind treatment phase to either the dose achieved in the open-label phase or to placebo. Patients were treated for up to 6 months following randomization. Efficacy was assessed by time to loss of therapeutic response, defined as 1) less than 30% reduction in pain (VAS) from open-label baseline during two consecutive visits of the double-blind phase, or 2) worsening of FM symptoms necessitating an alternative treatment. Fifty-four percent of patients were able to titrate to an effective and tolerable dose of pregabalin during the 6-week open-label phase. Of the patients entering the randomized treatment phase assigned to remain on pregabalin, 38% of patients completed 26 weeks of treatment versus 19% of placebo-treated patients.
When considering return of pain or withdrawal due to adverse events as loss of response (LTR), treatment with pregabalin resulted in a longer time to loss of therapeutic response than treatment with placebo. Fifty-three percent of the pregabalin-treated subjects compared to 33% of placebo patients remained on study drug and maintained a therapeutic response to Week 26 of the study. Treatment with pregabalin also resulted in a longer time to loss of response based on the FIQ
Time to worsening of the FIQ was defined as the time to a 1-point increase from double-blind baseline in each of the subscales, and a 5-point increase from double-blind baseline evaluation for the FIQ total score.
, and longer time to loss of overall assessment of patient status, as measured by the PGIC
Time to PGIC lack of improvement was defined as time to PGIC assessments indicating less improvement than "much improvement."
.
Figure 10: Time to Loss of Therapeutic Response, Fibromyalgia Study F2 (Kaplan-Meier Analysis)
Figure 10 (Pregabalin 10)
Study SCI 1: This 12-week, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, multic enter, flexible dose (150 mg/day to 600 mg/day) study compared pregabalin with placebo. The 12-week study consisted of a 3-week dose adjustment phase and a 9-week dose maintenance phase. Treatment with pregabalin 150 mg/day to 600 mg/day statistically significantly improved the endpoint weekly mean pain score, and increased the proportion of patients with at least a 30% and 50% reduction in pain score from baseline. The fraction of patients achieving various levels of improvement in pain intensity from baseline to Week 12 is presented in Figure 11. Some patients experienced a decrease in pain as early as week 1, which persisted throughout the study.
Figure 11: Patients Achieving Various Levels of Improvement in Pain Intensity – Study SCI 1
Figure 11 (Pregabalin 11)
Study SCI 2: This 16-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter, flexible dose (150 mg/day to 600 mg/day, in increments of 150 mg) study compared the efficacy, safety and tolerability of pregabalin with placebo. The 16-week study consisted of a 4-week dose adjustment phase and a 12-week dose maintenance phase. Treatment with pregabalin statistically significantly improved the endpoint weekly mean pain score, and increased the proportion of patients with at least a 30% and 50% reduction in pain score from baseline. The fraction of patients achieving various levels of improvement in pain intensity from baseline to Week 16 is presented in Figure 12. Some patients experienced a decrease in pain as early as week 1, which persisted throughout the study.
Figure 12: Patients Achieving Various Levels of Improvement in Pain Intensity – Study SCI 2
Figure 12 (Pregabalin 12)
Angioedema
Advise patients that pregabalin may cause angioedema, with swelling of the face, mouth (lip, gum, tongue) and neck (larynx and pharynx) that can lead to life-threatening respiratory compromise. Instruct patients to discontinue pregabalin and immediately seek medical care if they experience these symptoms [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Hypersensitivity
Advise patients that pregabalin has been associated with hypersensitivity reactions such as wheezing, dyspnea, rash, hives, and blisters. Instruct patients to discontinue pregabalin and immediately seek medical care if they experience these symptoms [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Suicidal Thinking and Behavior
Patients, their caregivers, and families should be counseled that AEDs, including pregabalin, may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior and should be advised of the need to be alert for the emergence or worsening of symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or the emergence of suicidal thoughts, behavior, or thoughts about self-harm. Report behaviors of concern immediately to healthcare providers [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
Respiratory Depression
Inform patients about the risk of respiratory depression. Include information that the risk is greatest for those using concomitant central nervous system (CNS) depressants (such as opioid analgesics) or in those with underlying respiratory impairment. Teach patients how to recognize respiratory depression and advise them to seek medical attention immediately if it occurs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Dizziness and Somnolence
Counsel patients that pregabalin may cause dizziness, somnolence, blurred vision and other CNS signs and symptoms. Accordingly, advise patients not to drive, operate complex machinery, or engage in other hazardous activities until they have gained sufficient experience on pregabalin to gauge whether or not it affects their mental, visual, and/or motor performance adversely [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].
CNS Depressants
Inform patients who require concomitant treatment with central nervous system depressants such as opiates or benzodiazepines that they may experience additive CNS side effects, such as respiratory depression, somnolence, and dizziness [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4, 5.5) and Drug Interactions (7)]. Advise patients to avoid consuming alcohol while taking pregabalin, as pregabalin may potentiate the impairment of motor skills and sedating effects of alcohol.
Adverse Reactions with Abrupt or Rapid Discontinuation
Advise patients to take pregabalin as prescribed. Abrupt or rapid discontinuation may result in increased seizure frequency in patients with seizure disorders, and insomnia, nausea, headache, anxiety, hyperhidrosis, or diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].
Missed Dose
Counsel patients if they miss a dose, they should take it as soon as they remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, they should skip the missed dose and take the next dose at their regularly scheduled time. Instruct patients not to take two doses at the same time.
Weight Gain and Edema
Counsel patients that pregabalin may cause edema and weight gain. Advise patients that concomitant treatment with pregabalin and a thiazolidinedione antidiabetic agent may lead to an additive effect on edema and weight gain. For patients with preexisting cardiac conditions, this may increase the risk of heart failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7, 5.8)].
Ophthalmological Effects
Counsel patients that pregabalin may cause visual disturbances. Inform patients that if changes in vision occur, they should notify their physician [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)].
Creatine Kinase Elevations
Instruct patients to promptly report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)].
Pregnancy
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to pregabalin during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
Lactation
Advise nursing mothers that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with pregabalin\ [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2)].
Male Fertility
Inform men being treated with pregabalin who plan to father a child of the potential risk of male-mediated teratogenicity. In preclinical studies in rats, pregabalin was associated with an increased risk of male-mediated teratogenicity. The clinical significance of this finding is uncertain [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) and Use in Specific populations (8.3)].
Dermatopathy
Instruct diabetic patients to pay particular attention to skin integrity while being treated with pregabalin and to inform their healthcare provider about any sores or skin problems. Some animals treated with pregabalin developed skin ulcerations, although no increased incidence of skin lesions associated with pregabalin was observed in clinical trials [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.2)].
Manufactured by:
ScieGen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Manufactured for:
Westminster Pharmaceuticals, LLC
Nashville, TN 37217
Rev. 5/2021