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Pregabalin for chronic pain: does one medication fit all?
Hili Giladi1, Manon Choinière, Mary-Ann Fitzcharles
1The Alan Edwards Pain Management Unit (AEPMU), McGill University Health Centre , Montreal, Quebec , Canada .
Current Medical Research and Opinion
|April 15, 2015
Summary
Pregabalin is commonly used off-label for chronic pain, especially low back pain, with patients reporting similar satisfaction regardless of on-label or off-label use. Discontinuation was often due to side effects like dry mouth and weight gain.
Area of Science:
- Pain Management
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Pregabalin is a widely prescribed medication for chronic non-cancer pain.
- Previous research has not extensively examined the off-label utilization of pregabalin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the proportion of patients using pregabalin for on-label versus off-label indications.
- To compare patient perspectives on pregabalin use between on-label and off-label groups.
Main Methods:
- Patients with chronic non-cancer pain were recruited from two tertiary care registries.
- Data on pregabalin use, perceived benefits, and satisfaction were collected via questionnaires.
Main Results:
- Over three-quarters of eligible patients (268/355) were using pregabalin off-label.
- Lumbar back pain was the most common off-label indication.
- No significant differences in satisfaction or functional outcomes were observed between on- and off-label users.
- Adverse effects, primarily dry mouth and weight gain, were the leading reasons for discontinuation.
Conclusions:
- Pregabalin is predominantly used off-label for chronic pain conditions, including low back pain.
- Patient satisfaction with pregabalin's clinical effects is comparable for both on- and off-label use.
- Further research into pregabalin's analgesic properties for diverse pain conditions is recommended.
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