Pregabid 75 Mg Capsule (15 Cap)

PREGABID 75 MG CAPSULE (15 CAP) by INTAS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD.

Name

• Common Name: Pregabalin
• Brand Name: PREGABID 75 MG CAPSULE, Lyrica (among others)

Composition

Each capsule contains 75 mg of Pregabalin. Pregabalin is an anticonvulsant and neuropathic pain agent.

Uses

PREGABID 75 MG CAPSULE is primarily used to relieve pain caused by nerve damage (neuropathic pain) and to manage fibromyalgia. It is also used as an adjunctive therapy to control certain types of partial-onset seizures in adults and children aged 1 month and older, and in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder in adults.

Specifically, it is prescribed for:

• Diabetic Neuropathy: Nerve pain in people with diabetes.
• Postherpetic Neuralgia: Pain that occurs after shingles.
• Neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury.
• Fibromyalgia: Widespread muscle pain and stiffness.
• Partial-onset seizures: Used with other medicines to help control seizures.

Pregabalin works by calming overactive nerves in the body to control seizures and pain signals.

Dosage and Administration

The dosage of Pregabalin varies depending on the condition and individual response. It should be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor, usually two or three times a day, with or without food. For nerve pain (neuropathic pain), a typical starting dose might be 75 mg twice daily, which can be gradually increased based on efficacy and tolerability, up to a maximum of 600 mg per day. It is crucial not to suddenly stop taking Pregabalin, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms or an increase in seizure frequency; the dose should be gradually reduced under medical supervision.

Side Effects

Common side effects are usually mild and may include:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness or sleepiness
• Headaches
• Blurred or double vision
• Dry mouth
• Swelling of the hands, arms, legs, or feet (edema)
• Weight gain
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering

Serious side effects, though less common, require immediate medical attention:

• Serious allergic reactions (angioedema), including hives, skin rash, itching, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide, or unusual changes in mood or behavior.
• Respiratory depression (slow or shallow breathing), especially when used with narcotic pain medicines.
• Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, particularly with a fever.
• Significant vision changes or loss of vision.

Precautions

• Alcohol and CNS Depressants: Avoid alcohol and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines) as they can worsen side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and breathing problems.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Pregabalin can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and blurred vision. Patients should not drive or operate machinery until they know how the medicine affects them.
• Kidney Disease: Dose adjustments may be necessary for individuals with kidney impairment.
• Diabetes: Patients with diabetes who experience weight gain might need adjustments to their diabetic medications.
• Heart Problems: Use with caution in patients with heart failure as it may cause fluid retention and weight gain.
• History of Substance Abuse: Pregabalin has a potential for misuse and may be habit-forming; use with caution in individuals with a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding unless specifically advised by a doctor.
• Sudden Discontinuation: Do not stop taking Pregabid suddenly without consulting a doctor, as it can lead to seizures or withdrawal symptoms.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, typically between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep it out of the reach of children. Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Here are the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about PREGABID 75 MG CAPSULE (containing Pregabalin):

What is PREGABID 75 MG CAPSULE used for?

PREGABID 75 MG CAPSULE is primarily used to manage various conditions including neuropathic pain (pain caused by nerve damage, such as from diabetes, shingles, or spinal cord injury), fibromyalgia (widespread musculoskeletal pain and stiffness), and as an add-on therapy for partial-onset seizures (a type of epilepsy). In some cases, it may also be prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder.

How does PREGABID 75 MG CAPSULE work?

The active ingredient in PREGABID 75 MG CAPSULE, pregabalin, works by binding to a specific site (the alpha2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels) in the central nervous system. This action helps to reduce the release of certain neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers responsible for sending pain signals and contributing to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. By calming these overactive nerves, it helps to alleviate pain and control seizures.

What is the usual dosage for PREGABID 75 MG CAPSULE?

The dosage of PREGABID 75 MG CAPSULE varies depending on the condition being treated, your medical response, and kidney function. Your doctor will typically start you on a low dose and gradually increase it. For neuropathic pain, initial doses might be 50 mg three times a day or 75 mg twice a day, with a maximum usually up to 300 mg/day, and in some cases up to 600 mg/day. For fibromyalgia, typical doses range from 300 to 450 mg/day, starting at 75 mg twice daily. For partial-onset seizures, initial dosing is often 75 mg twice daily or 50 mg three times daily (150 mg/day total), which can be increased up to 600 mg/day. The capsule can be taken with or without food, but it is best to take it at the same time(s) each day for optimal effectiveness.

What are the possible side effects of PREGABID 75 MG CAPSULE?

Common side effects may include dizziness, sleepiness (somnolence), dry mouth, blurred vision, weight gain, swelling (edema) in the hands or feet, headache, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Most of these are usually mild and may resolve as your body adjusts to the medication. More serious side effects are rare but require immediate medical attention, such as severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing) or suicidal thoughts. If you experience severe muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially with fever, contact your doctor.

Is PREGABID 75 MG CAPSULE safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

During Pregnancy: There is limited safety information available regarding the use of PREGABID 75 MG CAPSULE during pregnancy. It is classified as pregnancy category C, meaning animal studies have shown potential harm to the fetus. If you are a woman of childbearing age, it is important to use effective contraception while taking this medicine. Your doctor will assess the potential risks and benefits before prescribing it during pregnancy.

During Breastfeeding: Pregabalin, the active ingredient, can pass into breast milk. Breastfeeding is generally not recommended while taking PREGABID 75 MG CAPSULE due to the unknown effects on the breastfed infant and a potential risk of tumorigenicity observed in animal studies. Your doctor will weigh the benefits of the medicine to the mother against the potential risks to the infant to decide whether to discontinue breastfeeding or the medication.

Can PREGABID 75 MG CAPSULE be taken with other medications?

PREGABID 75 MG CAPSULE can interact with other medications. It is crucial to inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are currently taking or plan to take. Taking it with other medications that cause drowsiness, such as opioids (e.g., morphine, oxycodone) or anxiety medications (e.g., diazepam, alprazolam), can increase sedation, dizziness, and central nervous system depression. Additionally, some blood pressure-lowering medications (like ACE inhibitors) may increase the risk of angioedema (swelling). Alcohol should be avoided as it can enhance side effects like dizziness and drowsiness.

What precautions should be taken while taking PREGABID 75 MG CAPSULE?

Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking it suddenly, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms (e.g., headache, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, sweating) or worsen your underlying condition, especially if you have seizures. Your doctor will gradually reduce the dose when discontinuing treatment. Be cautious if you have heart problems, diabetes, or kidney impairment, as dose adjustments may be necessary. PREGABID 75 MG CAPSULE can cause dizziness, sleepiness, or blurred vision, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. If you experience any allergic reactions (hives, swelling, difficulty breathing) or notice unusual changes in mood or behavior, including suicidal thoughts, seek immediate medical attention. It is not recommended for children under 18 years of age for nerve pain or fibromyalgia, and under 1 month for seizures.

What happens if a dose of PREGABID 75 MG CAPSULE 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. For extended-release formulations, specific instructions may apply, such as taking a missed evening dose with a snack before bedtime, or a missed bedtime dose with a morning meal.

How should PREGABID 75 MG CAPSULE be stored?

Store PREGABID 75 MG CAPSULE below 30°C. Keep it in a closed container, protected from light and moisture. Always keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children and pets.