Fibromyalgia: Drugs Approved by the FDA to Manage Pain
From the FDA
Dr. Mike brings you the latest information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration including consumer drug updates, new drug approvals, new drug indications, and first time generic drug approvals.
In a recent consumer health update, Living with Fibromyalgia, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) describes fibromyalgia, how the condition is diagnosed, and a discussion of the first two medications approved to treat the pain associated with the condition.
People with fibromyalgia – which affects two percent to four percent of the population – have often turned to pain medicines, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and sleep medicines for relief.
The medications previously approved by the FDA to specifically treat pain associated with fibromyalgia are Lyrica (pregabalin) and Cymbalta (duloxetine). Last week, the FDA approved a third drug – Savella (milnacipran) – for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Savella is expected to be available starting sometime in March 2009.
Although the mechanism by which these drugs produce their effects is unknown, the three FDA-approved medications reduce pain and improve function in people with fibromyalgia. While those with fibromyalgia have been shown to experience pain differently from other people, the mechanism by which these drugs produce their effects is unknown.
More Information About Fibromyalgia
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Fibromyalgia: Drugs Approved by the FDA to Manage Pain originally appeared on About.com Drugs on Wednesday, January 21st, 2009 at 07:56:57.
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