Lyrica Injury Lawyers

Lyrica (pregabalin) is an anticonvulsant drug used to manage neuropathic pain, certain types of seizures, and generalized anxiety disorder. In June 2007, Lyrica became the first medication approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat chronic pain in fibromyalgia specifically.

Lyrica has also been shown to be effective in treating chronic pain in other serious disorders, and it has a low potential for abuse. Unfortunately, however, it also became one of four drugs that Pfizer, which markets the drug, pleaded guilty to misbranding "with the intent to defraud or mislead".

The legal claim alleged that Pfizer subsidiaries illegally promoted the drugs and submitted false claims to governmental regulatory entities. The company settled the lawsuit for $2.3 billion, and agreed to enter a corporate integrity agreement.

Prior to the lawsuit, the Associated Press reported that in an effort to boost sales of Lyrica and Cymbalta, Pfizer and Eli Lilly had donated over $6 million in only the fist three quarters of 2008 to nonprofit groups to conduct educational campaigns and medical conferences on fibromyalgia. Some healthcare professionals, however, do not even recognize fibromyalgia as a distinct disorder. And while, in higher doses, Lyrica appears to act as a GABA agonist, its mode of action is not understood.

While physicians agree that the symptoms of those who attribute them to fibromyalgia are real, the condition continues to be a controversial diagnosis. And the use of Lyrica is not without its own serious potential health risks.

Adverse effects associated with the use of Lyrica for which immediate medical attention should be sought include:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, including difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the lips, face, throat, or tongue
• Unusual mood or behavior changes, anxiety, depression, agitation, hostility, restlessness, mental or physical hyperactivity, or thoughts of suicide or hurting oneself
• muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness
• easy bleeding or bruising
• rapid weight gain
• swelling in your hands or feet

Other side effects associated with the use of Lyrica include:

• dizziness or drowsiness
• blurred vision
• problems with memory or concentration
• loss of balance or coordination
• dry mouth
• skin rash or itching
• stomach pain
• constipation
• increased appetite
• joint or muscle pain

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of taking Lyrica, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a qualified pharmaceutical injury attorney for an evaluation of your case.