Lyrica is a prescription medication containing pregabalin that is indicated for treatment of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, adjunctive therapy for adult patients with partial onset seizures and fibromyalgia. Cholesterol is a fat, waxy substance your liver makes for cell membranes and sex hormones that when elevated in your blood increases the risk of heart disease. There are no studies that demonstrate Lyrica affects your cholesterol.
Indications
The FDA approved the use of Lyrica in 2004. Pregabalin, the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Lyrica, binds to receptors on cells in the central and peripheral nervous systems to relieve pain and control seizures. Lyrica is used to treat neuropathic pain associated with diabetic neuropathy, a disorder characterized by nerve damage that includes pain, numbness and loss of feeling in your hands, arms, legs and feet. Lyrica also treats postherpetic neuralgia, nerve pain associated with shingles or herpes virus. Lyrica can also treat partial onset seizures characterized by abnormal electrical activity in the brain and fibromyalgia, characterized by chronic pain in the muscles, tendons and ligaments.
Warnings
According to the prescribing information, Lyrica has several warnings regarding its use. Taking Lyrica can cause angioedema, a condition characterized by swelling of your throat, head and neck that can cause life-threatening respiratory effects. People with hypersensitivities to Lyrica can experience hives and wheezing. Paradoxically, Lyrica can cause seizures in patients being treated for seizures. Lyrica can induce suicidal thoughts and behavior. It can also cause peripheral edema, characterized by swelling in the extremities. Lyrica can also cause dizziness and sleepiness and impair your ability to drive a vehicle or operate machinery.
Adverse Reactions
As with most medications, taking Lyrica can cause adverse side effects. The most common adverse reactions that occur in at least 5 percent of patients who take Lyrica include dizziness, tiredness, blurred vision, weight gain and difficulty concentrating. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the risks of these adverse reactions.
Cholesterol
Diabetics have a high risk of cardiovascular disease, in part caused by increased blood sugar effects on endothelial cells that line the interior of blood vessels, according to research by scientists at the University of Padova in Italy and published in "Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice" in December 2008. Lowering blood cholesterol can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, there are no known or reported adverse reactions involving taking both Lyrica and Lipitor, a popular statin drug prescribed to lower blood cholesterol.
References
- Pfizer; Lyrica Prescribing Information; April 2011
- The Cleveland Clinic; Cholesterol; 2010
- Food and Drug Administration; FDA Approved Drug Products Lyrica; 2004
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health; Diabetic Neuropathies: The Nerve Damage of Diabetes; 2009
- Mayo Clinic; Fibromyalgia; 2010
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse; Diabetes; 2010
