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FINALLY RELIEF IN SIGHT FOR CANADIANS SUFFERING FROM NEUROPATHIC PAIN
LYRICA™ the first
medication indicated for the treatment of two most common types of
Neuropathic Pain is now available in Canada.
Pfizer Canada Inc. announces availability of
LYRICA™ (pregabalin capsules). LYRICA is the first treatment approved for
the management of neuropathic pain (NeP) or "nerve pain" associated with
diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).
Neuropathic Pain is one of the most debilitating forms of pain.
An estimated of one in 15 people or half a million Canadians suffer from neuropathic pain, which is often characterized by burning, stabbing, shooting, tingling and/or shock-like sensations. Neuropathic pain results from damage to or a dysfunction of the nervous system. In some types of neuropathic pain, even the touch of clothing on involved skin triggers an unbearable burning pain. This disease is often puzzling and frustrating for patients and physicians, as it seems to respond poorly to standard pain therapies.
Developed by Pfizer, LYRICA has a newly defined mechanism of action that helps reduce the activity of nerve cells involved in pain. LYRICA is safe and effective: patients often experience relief from pain within the first week of treatment.
"Patients can suffer extreme pain for months or even years before being diagnosed with neuropathic pain," says Dr. Allan Gordon of the Wasser Pain Management Centre, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto. "The range of treatment options, alone or in combination, does not always effectively control NeP and many patients worry that some medications may cause other health issues. Approval of this new and effective treatment option is welcome news for these patients and their physicians."
Neuropathic pain
disrupts lives of patients and their families
In what is known as the triad of pain, many people with chronic,
persistent NeP often experience problems with sleep and mood. "Nerve pain
has taken over my life, it never really goes away. A new treatment gives
me hope that I will be able to effectively manage this pain and resume
normal routines," says patient Joe R. from Mississauga. NeP is caused by
nerve damage that can result from underlying conditions, such as diabetes
or shingles (herpes zoster).
"Access to consistent, timely diagnosis as well as appropriate treatment of pain is an issue for many patients in Canada," says Helen Tupper, President of the Canadian Pain Coalition. "We welcome and encourage the development of new treatment options to help the thousands of Canadians suffering from chronic pain, including neuropathic pain, experience long-term pain reduction."
NeP causes extreme disruption in the lives of Canadian sufferers, far more than patients in most countries, according to The Harris Poll® -- Global Neuropathic Pain Survey involving 1,352 patients in nine countries all of whom had been diagnosed with NeP. Nearly nine in ten sufferers describe their pain as constant and as having impacted every aspect of their life. In most countries, patients said they saw at least two to three physicians before being correctly diagnosed.
While nearly all Canadian patients (93%) eventually receive a prescription for NeP, many feel these treatments are not sufficiently effective in treating their pain. On average, Canadian sufferers report having taken as many as eight different prescription medications for their pain since being diagnosed and only one in four patients says that the medication he/she takes relieves all or most of the pain.
"Neuropathic pain has a severe impact on the lives of Canadian patients and their families. It is difficult for patients to describe, challenging for physicians to diagnose and is often poorly treated as a result. Often, patients see three to four physicians before being properly diagnosed," says Dr. Roman Jovey, president of the Canadian Pain Society. "It is important to raise awareness of this condition and work towards advancing the standard of care for all patients suffering from neuropathic pain."
One in five people with diabetes experience painful DPN. Approximately 15,000 Canadians are diagnosed with PHN each year.
LYRICA has been approved in more than 50 countries.
LYRICA safe and
effective
The safety and efficacy of LYRICA was established in almost 9,000 patients
in seven double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, four involving patients
with DPN and three involving patients with PHN. LYRICA provided rapid and
clinically meaningful pain reduction in a significant portion of patients,
with pain relief beginning as early as the first week of treatment in some
patients. Pain relief was sustained in studies of up to 12-weeks duration.
LYRICA also showed benefit in reducing sleep disturbance.
In all clinical trials, adverse events were usually mild to moderate in intensity. The most common side effects associated with LYRICA compared with placebo included dizziness, and somnolence. The discontinuation rate due to side effects was low.
About Pfizer Canada
Inc.
Pfizer Canada Inc. is the Canadian operation of Pfizer Inc., the world's
leading pharmaceutical company. Pfizer discovers, develops, manufactures
and markets leading prescription medicines for both humans and animals.
Pfizer also manufactures many of the world's best-known over-the-counter
healthcare products. Headquartered in Kirkland, Québec, Pfizer Canada
employs more than 2,300 people across the country. Learn more about Pfizer
Canada at
www.pfizer.ca.
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