PREGALIN D 75/30 CAPS

Name

• Brand Name: PREGALIN D 75/30 CAPS
• Common Name: Pregabalin + Duloxetine

Composition PREGALIN D 75/30 CAPS is a combination medication containing Pregabalin (75mg) and Duloxetine (30mg). Pregabalin is an anticonvulsant and analgesic, while Duloxetine is a selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).

Uses This medicine is primarily prescribed for the management of neuropathic pain. This includes nerve pain caused by conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, pain from shingles (post-herpetic neuralgia), fibromyalgia, and spinal cord injuries. It also helps in improving mood, sleep problems, and tiredness often associated with chronic nerve pain. Some sources also mention its use for generalized anxiety disorder.

Dosage and Administration PREGALIN D 75/30 CAPS should be taken orally as directed by a healthcare professional. It can be taken with or without food, but it is advised to take it at the same time each day to maintain consistent medicine levels in the body. Do not cut, break, or chew the capsule. It is crucial not to stop taking this medication suddenly, as it can worsen symptoms or cause withdrawal effects; the dosage should be gradually reduced under medical guidance.

Side Effects Common side effects may include:

• Dizziness, drowsiness, and headache
• Nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and dry mouth
• Peripheral edema (swelling in the limbs)
• Increased appetite and weight gain
• Blurred vision or double vision, and difficulty concentrating
• Tingling or numbness
• Erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorder, decreased sexual drive, inability to reach orgasm, and painful/frequent urination

Serious side effects, though less common, can include unusual changes in mood or behavior, new or worsening depression, or suicidal thoughts.

Precautions

• Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol as it can increase drowsiness and the risk of liver damage.
• Driving/Operating Machinery: This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision; therefore, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor as it may be unsafe during pregnancy and is probably unsafe during breastfeeding.
• Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, heart conditions, diabetes, glaucoma, a history of seizures, mania, bipolar disorder, bleeding disorders, or fluctuating blood pressure.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are taking, especially other antidepressants, blood thinners (like aspirin, warfarin), or medicines for brain-related disorders, to avoid potential interactions and severe side effects.
• Suicidal Thoughts: Monitor for unusual changes in mood or behavior, new or worsening depression, or suicidal thoughts, and inform your doctor immediately if they occur.
• Abrupt Discontinuation: Do not stop the medication suddenly without consulting your doctor, as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
• Age: It is generally not recommended for patients under 18 years of age.

Storage Store PREGALIN D 75/30 CAPS below 30°C in dry conditions, away from wet surfaces, direct sunlight, and humid conditions. Keep it out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

What is PREGALIN D 75/30 CAPS used for?

PREGALIN D 75/30 CAPS is primarily used for the treatment of neuropathic pain, which is nerve pain caused by damage or malfunction of the nervous system. This includes conditions like diabetic peripheral neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia (pain after shingles), fibromyalgia, and pain associated with spinal cord injuries. It also helps manage associated symptoms such as mood changes, sleep problems, and tiredness.

How does PREGALIN D 75/30 CAPS work?

This medicine is a combination of two active ingredients: Pregabalin and Duloxetine. Pregabalin works by binding to a specific site on nerve cells (alpha2-delta subunits of voltage-gated calcium channels), which reduces the release of excitatory neurotransmitters, thereby decreasing pain signals. Duloxetine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It increases the levels of chemical messengers, serotonin and norepinephrine, in the brain and nervous system, which helps to modulate pain perception and improve mood. Together, they provide a dual-action approach to relieve nerve pain.

What is the usual dosage for PREGALIN D 75/30 CAPS?

PREGALIN D 75/30 CAPS should be taken exactly as advised by your doctor. It is typically taken orally, with or without food, but it is recommended to take it at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels of the medicine in your body. Do not chew, crush, or break the capsule. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose and duration of treatment.

What are the possible side effects of PREGALIN D 75/30 CAPS?

Common side effects may include dizziness, sleepiness, headache, dry mouth, nausea, constipation, blurred vision, difficulty concentrating, increased appetite, and weight gain. Less common but potentially serious side effects can include peripheral edema (swelling in the limbs), mood changes (including depression or suicidal thoughts), and severe allergic reactions. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, inform your doctor immediately.

Is PREGALIN D 75/30 CAPS safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

PREGALIN D 75/30 CAPS may be unsafe to use during pregnancy, and animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. It is generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester, due to the risk of fetal abnormalities. Both Pregabalin and Duloxetine can be excreted in breast milk, so it is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, to weigh the benefits against the potential risks.

Can PREGALIN D 75/30 CAPS be taken with other medications?

Concomitant use with other medications can lead to interactions. It is crucial to inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking. Particular caution is needed with:

• Central Nervous System Depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, opioids, sedatives): Can increase drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating.
• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Can cause serious interactions.
• Blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin): May increase the risk of abnormal bleeding.
• Certain antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin): Can increase Duloxetine levels in the blood.
• Other antidepressants or medications affecting serotonin levels (e.g., sertraline, lithium, dextromethorphan): Can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.

What precautions should be taken while using PREGALIN D 75/30 CAPS?

• Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol as it can increase drowsiness, dizziness, and the risk of liver damage.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: This medicine can cause dizziness and sleepiness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Kidney and Liver Disease: Use with caution in patients with kidney disease. It is probably unsafe for patients with liver disease and should be avoided. Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems.
• Mental Health: Monitor for any unusual changes in mood or behavior, new or worsening depression, or suicidal thoughts, and inform your doctor immediately. This medicine may increase suicidal thoughts.
• Not to be stopped abruptly: Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without consulting your doctor, as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, tingling sensations, sleep disturbances, restlessness, nausea, vomiting, or headache. Your doctor will likely reduce the dose gradually.

What happens if a dose of PREGALIN D 75/30 CAPS is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one, as this could lead to toxicity.

How should PREGALIN D 75/30 CAPS be stored?

Store PREGALIN D 75/30 CAPS in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and humid conditions. Keep the container tightly closed and out of the sight and reach of children and pets.