Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Pregabalin may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
for
Pregabalin Neuraxpharm belongs to a group of medicines used to treat epilepsy, neuropathic pain and Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in adults. Peripheral and central neuropathic pain: Pregabalin Neuraxpharm is used to treat long lasting pain caused by damage to the nerves. A variety of diseases can cause peripheral neuropathic pain, such as diabetes or shingles. Pain sensations may be described as hot, burning, throbbing, shooting, stabbing, sharp, cramping, aching, tingling, numbness, pins and needles. Peripheral and central neuropathic pain may also be associated with mood changes, sleep disturbance, fatigue (tiredness), and can have an impact on physical and social functioning and overall quality of life. Epilepsy: Pregabalin Neuraxpharm is used to treat a certain form of epilepsy (partial seizures with or without secondary generalisation) in adults. Your doctor will prescribe Pregabalin Neuraxpharm for you to help treat your epilepsy when your current treatment is not controlling your condition. You should take Pregabalin Neuraxpharm in addition to your current treatment. Pregabalin Neuraxpharm is not intended to be used alone, but should always be used in combination with other anti-epileptic treatment. Generalised Anxiety Disorder: Pregabalin Neuraxpharm is used to treat Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The symptoms of GAD are prolonged excessive anxiety and worry that are difficult to control. GAD can also cause restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge, being easily fatigued (tired), having difficulty concentrating or mind going blank, feeling irritable, having muscle tension 1
or sleep disturbance. This is different to the stresses and strains of everyday life. This medicine has been prescribed for you for Peripheral and central neuropathic pain or Epilepsy or Generalised Anxiety Disorder . It contains pregabalin which belongs to a class of medicines called Gabapentinoids. This medicine has been prescribed to you and should not be given to anyone else. Gabapentinoids can cause dependence, tolerance and addiction, and you may get withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it or reduce the dose suddenly. Your prescriber should have explained how long you will be taking it for and, when it is appropriate to stop, how to do this safely. When your treatment is stopped, it is usually done gradually over a period which is specific to you and may occur over a period of weeks to months.
2
2.
e Pregabalin
Neuraxpharm Do not take Pregabalin Neuraxpharm: If you are allergic to pregabalin or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). Warnings and Precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Pregabalin Neuraxpharm.
3
established and therefore, pregabalin should not be used in this age group. Other medicines and Pregabalin Neuraxpharm Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. Pregabalin Neuraxpharm and certain other medicines may influence each other (interaction). When taken with certain other medicines which have sedative effects (including opioids), Pregabalin Neuraxpharm may potentiate these effects, and could lead to respiratory failure, coma and death. The degree of dizziness, sleepiness and decreased concentration may be increased if Pregabalin Neuraxpharm is taken together with medicines containing: Oxycodone – (used as a pain-killer) Lorazepam – (used for treating anxiety) Alcohol Pregabalin Neuraxpharm may be taken with oral contraceptives. Pregabalin Neuraxpharm with food, drink and alcohol Pregabalin Neuraxpharm tablets may be taken with or without food. It is advised not to drink alcohol while taking Pregabalin Neuraxpharm. Pregnancy and breast-feeding Pregabalin Neuraxpharm should not be taken during pregnancy or when breast-feeding, unless you are told otherwise by your doctor. Pregabalin use during the first 3 months of pregnancy may cause birth defects in the unborn child that require medical treatment. In a study reviewing data from women in Nordic countries who took pregabalin in the first 3 months of pregnancy, 6 babies in every 100 had such birth defects. This compares to 4 babies in every 100 born to women not treated with pregabalin in the study. Abnormalities of the face (orofacial clefts), the eyes, the nervous system (including the brain), kidneys and genitals have been reported. Effective contraception must be used by women of childbearing potential. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. Driving and using machines Pregabalin Neuraxpharm may produce dizziness, sleepiness and decreased concentration. You should not drive, operate complex machinery or engage in other potentially hazardous activities until you know whether this medicine affects your ability to perform these activities. 3.
Pregabalin Neuraxpharm
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Do not take more medicine than prescribed. Your doctor will determine what dose is appropriate for you. Pregabalin Neuraxpharm is for oral use only. Peripheral and central neuropathic pain, epilepsy or Generalised Anxiety Disorder:
If you are an elderly patient (over 65 years of age), you should take Pregabalin Neuraxpharm normally except if you have problems with your kidneys. Your doctor may prescribe a different dosing schedule and/or dose if you have problems with your kidneys. Swallow the tablets whole with water. Continue taking Pregabalin Neuraxpharm until your doctor tells you to stop. If you take more Pregabalin Neuraxpharm than you should Call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency unit immediately. Take your box or bottle of Pregabalin Neuraxpharm tablets with you. You may feel sleepy, confused, agitated, or restless as a result of taking more Pregabalin Neuraxpharm than you should. Fits and unconsciousness (coma) have also been reported. If you forget to take Pregabalin Neuraxpharm It is important to take your Pregabalin Neuraxpharm tablets regularly at the same time each day. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is time for your next dose. In that case, just carry on with the next dose as normal. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you stop taking Pregabalin Neuraxpharm Do not suddenly stop taking Pregabalin Neuraxpharm. If you want to stop taking pregabalin, discuss this with your doctor first. They will tell you how to do this usually by reducing the dose gradually so that any unpleasant withdrawal effects are kept to a minimum. This may occur over a period of weeks to months. Your prescriber will ensure that your plan for stopping treatment is tailored to you and can be adapted according to your needs and experience of any withdrawal symptoms. . These effects include, trouble sleeping, headache, nausea, feeling anxious, diarrhoea, flu like symptoms, convulsions, nervousness, depression, thoughts of harming or killing yourself, pain, sweating, and dizziness. These effects may occur more commonly or severely if you have been taking Pregabalin Neuraxpharm for a longer period of time. If you experience withdrawal effects, you should contact your doctor. Your prescriber should have discussed with you how long the course of tablets will last. They will arrange a plan for stopping treatment. This will outline how to gradually reduce the dose and stop taking the medicine. Your prescriber will ensure that your plan for stopping treatment is tailored to you and can be adapted according to your needs and experience of any withdrawal symptoms. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 4.
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Very common: may affect more than 1 in 10 people
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Dry mouth, constipation, vomiting, flatulence, diarrhoea, nausea, swollen abdomen. Difficulties with erection. Swelling of the body including extremities. Feeling drunk, abnormal style of walking. Weight gain. Muscle cramp, joint pain, back pain, pain in limb. Sore throat.
Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people
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Becoming dependent on pregabalin ('drug dependence'). 8
Unknown frequency: dependence and addiction (see section "How do I know if I am tolerant or addicted?"). Drug Withdrawal When you stop taking Pregabalin Neuraxpharm , you may experience drug withdrawal symptoms, which include: trouble sleeping, headache, nausea, feeling anxious, diarrhoea, flu-like symptoms, convulsions, nervousness, depression, thoughts of harming or killing yourself, pain, sweating, and dizziness. How do I know if I am tolerant or addicted? If you notice any of the following signs whilst taking Pregabalin Neuraxpharm , it could be a sign that you have become addicted.
Pregabalin Neuraxpharm
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. This medicine does not require any special storage conditions. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment. 6.
What Pregabalin Neuraxpharm contains The active substance is pregabalin. Each tablet contains either 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 225 mg or 300 mg pregabalin. The other ingredients are: cellulose microcrystalline, magnesium stearate. What Pregabalin Neuraxpharm looks like and contents of the pack 9
25 mg tablets 50 mg tablets 75 mg tablets 100 mg tablets 150 mg tablets 200 mg tablets 225 mg tablets 300 mg tablets
White, round, biconvex, scored tablets with "I" debossed on one side, with a diameter 5 mm White, round, biconvex, scored tablets with "M1" debossed on one side, with a diameter 7 mm White, round, biconvex, scored tablets with "I1" debossed on one side, with a diameter 8 mm White, round, biconvex, scored tablets with "M2" debossed on one side, with a diameter 9 mm White, round, biconvex, scored tablets with "I2" debossed on one side, with a diameter 10 mm White, round, biconvex, scored tablets with "M3" debossed on one side, with a diameter 12 mm White, round, biconvex, scored tablets with "M7" debossed on one side, with a diameter 12 mm White, oblong, biconvex, scored tablets with "I3" debossed on one side, with a major diameter 20 mm and a minor
diameter 8 mm
Pregabalin Neuraxpharm 25 mg, 75 mg, 150 mg, 225 mg, 300 mg tablets Pack size of 56 is registered. Pregabalin Neuraxpharm 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg tablets Pack sizes of 56 and 84 tablets are registered. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder Neuraxpharm UK Limited First Floor, Building 1410, Arlington Business Park Theale, Reading, Berkshire RG7 4SA United Kingdom Manufacturer Neuraxpharm Pharmaceuticals, S.L. Avda. Barcelona, 69 08970 Sant Joan Despí Barcelona – Spain This leaflet was last revised in November 2025
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Pregabalin Neuraxpharm 150 mg tablets comes as tablet containing 150mg. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in Pregabalin Neuraxpharm 150 mg tablets is pregabalin.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Pregabalin Neuraxpharm 150 mg tablets, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
Neuropathic pain
Pregabalin Neuraxpharm is indicated for the treatment of peripheral and central neuropathic pain in adults.
Epilepsy
Pregabalin Neuraxpharm is indicated as adjunctive therapy in adults with partial seizures with or without secondary generalisation.
Generalised anxiety disorder
Pregabalin Neuraxpharm is indicated for the treatment of Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in adults.
Prior to starting the treatment with pregabalin, a discussion should be held with patients to put in place a strategy for ending treatment with pregabalin in order to minimise the risk of dependence on, addiction and drug withdrawal syndrome (see section 4.4)
Treatment should be given for the shortest possible duration. If this medicine is being used for the treatment of epilepsy this medicine should be used for as long as the prescriber considers it necessary.
Posology
The dose range is 150 to 600 mg per day given in either two or three divided doses.
Neuropathic pain
Pregabalin treatment can be started at a dose of 150 mg per day given as two or three divided doses. Based on individual patient response and tolerability, the dose may be increased to 300 mg per day after an interval of 3 to 7 days, and if needed, to a maximum dose of 600 mg per day after an additional 7-day interval.
Epilepsy
Pregabalin treatment can be started with a dose of 150 mg per day given as two or three divided doses. Based on individual patient response and tolerability, the dose may be increased to 300 mg per day after 1 week. The maximum dose of 600 mg per day may be achieved after an additional week.
Generalised anxiety disorder
The dose range is 150 to 600 mg per day given as two or three divided doses. The need for treatment should be reassessed regularly.
Pregabalin treatment can be started with a dose of 150 mg per day. Based on individual patient response and tolerability, the dose may be increased to 300 mg per day after 1 week. Following an additional week the dose may be increased to 450 mg per day. The maximum dose of 600 mg per day may be achieved after an additional week.
Discontinuation of pregabalin
In accordance with current clinical practice, if pregabalin has to be discontinued, it is recommended this should be done gradually over a minimum of 1 week independent of the indication (see sections 4.4 and 4.8).
Renal impairment
Pregabalin is eliminated from the systemic circulation primarily by renal excretion as unchanged drug. As pregabalin clearance is directly proportional to creatinine clearance (see section 5.2), dose reduction in patients with compromised renal function must be individualised according to creatinine clearance (CLcr), as indicated in Table 1 determined using the following formula:
Pregabalin is removed effectively from plasma by haemodialysis (50% of drug in 4 hours). For patients receiving haemodialysis, the pregabalin daily dose should be adjusted based on renal function. In addition to the daily dose, a supplementary dose should be given immediately following every 4 hour haemodialysis treatment (see Table 1).
Table1. Pregabalin Dose Adjustment Based on Renal Function
Creatinine clearance (CLcr) (ml/min)
Total pregabalin daily dose *
Dose regimen
Starting dose (mg/day)
Maximum dose (mg/day)
≥ 60
150
600
BID or TID
≥ 30 - < 60
75
300
BID or TID
≥ 15 - < 30
25 - 50
150
Once Daily or BID
< 15
25
75
Once Daily
Supplementary dosage following haemodialysis (mg)
25
100
Single dose +
TID = Three divided doses
BID = Two divided doses
* Total daily dose (mg/day) should be divided as indicated by dose regimen to provide mg/dose
+ Supplementary dose is a single additional dose
Hepatic impairment
No dose adjustment is required for patients with hepatic impairment (see section 5.2).
Paediatric population
The safety and efficacy of Pregabalin Neuraxpharm in children below the age of 12 years and in adolescents (12-17 years of age) have not been established. Currently available data are described in sections 4.8, 5.1 and 5.2 but no recommendation on a posology can be made.
Elderly
Elderly patients may require a dose reduction of pregabalin due to a decreased renal function (see section 5.2).
Method of administration
Pregabalin Neuraxpharm may be taken with or without food.
Pregabalin Neuraxpharm is for oral use only.
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Diabetic patients
In accordance with current clinical practice, some diabetic patients who gain weight on pregabalin treatment may need to adjust hypoglycaemic medicinal products.
Hypersensitivity reactions
There have been reports in the postmarketing experience of hypersensitivity reactions, including cases of angioedema. Pregabalin should be discontinued immediately if symptoms of angioedema, such as facial, perioral, or upper airway swelling occur.
Severe cutaneous adverse reactions
Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), which can be life-threatening or fatal, have been reported rarely in association with pregabalin treatment. At the time of prescription patients should be advised of the signs and symptoms and monitored closely for skin reactions. If signs and symptoms suggestive of these reactions appear, pregabalin should be withdrawn immediately and an alternative treatment considered (as appropriate).
Dizziness, somnolence, loss of consciousness, confusion and mental impairment
Pregabalin treatment has been associated with dizziness and somnolence, which could increase the occurrence of accidental injury (fall) in the elderly population. There have also been postmarketing reports of loss of consciousness, confusion and mental impairment. Therefore, patients should be advised to exercise caution until they are familiar with the potential effects of the medicinal product.
Vision-related effects
In controlled trials, a higher proportion of patients treated with pregabalin reported blurred vision than did patients treated with placebo which resolved in a majority of cases with continued dosing. In the clinical studies where ophthalmologic testing was conducted, the incidence of visual acuity reduction and visual field changes was greater in pregabalin-treated patients than in placebo-treated patients; the incidence of fundoscopic changes was greater in placebo-treated patients (see section 5.1).
In the postmarketing experience, visual adverse reactions have also been reported, including loss of vision, visual blurring or other changes of visual acuity, many of which were transient. Discontinuation of pregabalin may result in resolution or improvement of these visual symptoms.
Renal failure
Cases of renal failure have been reported and in some cases discontinuation of pregabalin did show reversibility of this adverse reaction.
Withdrawal of concomitant anti-epileptic medicinal products
There are insufficient data for the withdrawal of concomitant anti-epileptic medicinal products, once seizure control with pregabalin in the add-on situation has been reached, in order to reach monotherapy on pregabalin.
Congestive heart failure
There have been postmarketing reports of congestive heart failure in some patients receiving pregabalin. These reactions are mostly seen in elderly cardiovascular compromised patients during pregabalin treatment for a neuropathic indication.
Pregabalin should be used with caution in these patients. Discontinuation of pregabalin may resolve the reaction.
Treatment of central neuropathic pain due to spinal cord injury
In the treatment of central neuropathic pain due to spinal cord injury the incidence of adverse reactions in general, central nervous system adverse reactions and especially somnolence was increased. This may be attributed to an additive effect due to concomitant medicinal products (e.g. anti-spasticity agents) needed for this condition. This should be considered when prescribing pregabalin in this condition.
Respiratory depression
There have been reports of severe respiratory depression in relation to pregabalin use. Patients with compromised respiratory function, respiratory or neurological disease, renal impairment, concomitant use of CNS depressants and the elderly may be at higher risk of experiencing this severe adverse reaction. Dose adjustments may be necessary in these patients (see section 4.2).
Suicidal ideation and behaviour
Suicidal ideation and behaviour have been reported in patients treated with anti- epileptic agents in several indications. A meta-analysis of randomised placebo- controlled studies of anti-epileptic drugs has also shown a small increased risk of suicidal ideation and behaviour. The mechanism of this risk is not known.
Cases of suicidal ideation and behaviour have been observed in patients treated with pregabalin in the postmarketing experience (see section 4.8). An epidemiological study using a self-controlled study design (comparing treatment periods with non-treatment periods within an individual) showed evidence of an increased risk of new onset of suicidal behaviour and death by suicide in patients treated with pregabalin.
Patients (and caregivers of patients) should be advised to seek medical advice should signs of suicidal ideation or behaviour emerge. Patients should be monitored for signs of suicidal ideation and behaviour and appropriate treatment should be considered. Discontinuation of pregabalin treatment should be considered in case of suicidal ideation and behaviour.
Reduced lower gastrointestinal tract function
There are postmarketing reports of events related to reduced lower gastrointestinal tract function (e.g. intestinal obstruction, paralytic ileus, constipation) when pregabalin was co-administered with medications that have the potential to produce constipation, such as opioid analgesics. When pregabalin and opioids will be used in combination, measures to prevent constipation may be considered (especially in female patients and elderly).
Concomitant use with opioids
Caution is advised when prescribing pregabalin concomitantly with opioids due to risk of CNS depression (see section 4.5). In a case-control study of opioid users, those patients who took pregabalin concomitantly with an opioid had an increased risk for opioid-related death compared to opioid use alone (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.68 [95% CI, 1.19 - 2.36]). This increased risk was observed at low doses of pregabalin (≤ 300 mg, aOR 1.52 [95% CI, 1.04 - 2.22]) and there was a trend for a greater risk at high doses of pregabalin (> 300 mg, aOR 2.51 [95% CI 1.24 - 5.06]).
Misuse, abuse potential or dependence
Pregabalin can cause drug dependence, which may occur at therapeutic doses. Cases of abuse and misuse have been reported. Patients with a history of substance abuse may be at higher risk for pregabalin misuse, abuse and dependence, and pregabalin should be used with caution in such patients. Before prescribing pregabalin, the patient's risk of misuse, abuse or dependence should be carefully evaluated.
Patients treated with pregabalin should be monitored for symptoms of pregabalin misuse, abuse or dependence, such as development of tolerance, dose escalation and drug-seeking behaviour have been reported.
Withdrawal symptoms
After discontinuation of short-term and long-term treatment with pregabalin, withdrawal symptoms have been observed in some patients. The following symptoms have been reported: insomnia, headache, nausea, anxiety, diarrhoea, flu syndrome, nervousness, depression, suicidal ideation, pain, convulsion, hyperhidrosis and dizziness, The occurrence of withdrawal symptoms following discontinuation of pregabalin may indicate drug dependence (see section 4.8). The patient should be informed about this at the start of the treatment. If pregabalin should be discontinued, it is recommended this should be done gradually over a minimum of 1 week independent of the indication (see section 4.2).
Convulsions, including status epilepticus and grand mal convulsions, may occur during pregabalin use or shortly after discontinuing pregabalin.
Concerning discontinuation of long-term treatment of pregabalin, data suggest that the incidence and severity of withdrawal symptoms may be dose-related.
Drug dependence, tolerance and potential for abuse
Drug addiction comprises behavioural, cognitive and physiological phenomena that may include a strong desire to take the drug, difficulties in controlling drug use and possible tolerance or physical dependence. Physical dependence is a state that develops as a result of physiological adaptation in response to repeated drug use, which manifests as withdrawal signs and symptoms after abrupt discontinuation or a significant dose reduction of a drug. Addiction and dependence are related but distinct presentations and in discussing these themes, terminology that apportion blame to the individual should be avoided.
For all patients, prolonged use of this product may lead to drug dependence and addiction but can occur with short-term use at recommended therapeutic doses. The risks are increased in individuals with current or past history of substance misuse disorder (including alcohol misuse) or mental health disorder (e.g., major depression).
Additional support and monitoring may be necessary when prescribing for patients at risk of drug misuse.
A comprehensive patient history should be taken to document concomitant medications, including over-the-counter medicines and medicines obtained on-line, and past and present medical and psychiatric conditions.
Patients may find that treatment is less effective with chronic use and express a need to increase the dose to obtain the same level of symptom control as initially experienced. Patients may also supplement their treatment with additional medications to achieve the same effect. These could be signs that the patient is developing tolerance. The risks of developing tolerance should be explained to the patient.
Overuse or misuse may result in overdose and/or death. It is important that patients only use medicines that are prescribed for them at the dose they have been prescribed and do not give this medicine to anyone else.
Patients should be closely monitored for signs of misuse, abuse, or addiction.
The clinical need for treatment with pregabalin should be reviewed regularly, with frequent assessments of patients being undertaken during the course of their treatment.
Drug withdrawal syndrome
Prior to starting treatment with pregabalin, a discussion should be held with patients to put in place a withdrawal strategy for ending treatment with pregabalin.
Drug withdrawal syndrome may occur upon abrupt cessation of therapy or dose reduction. When a patient no longer requires therapy, it is advisable to taper the dose gradually to minimise symptoms of withdrawal. Tapering from a high dose may take in excess of weeks or months. Patients should be informed of this when the medication is first prescribed.
The reduction schedule for a patient should be tailored to the individual and should be modified to allow intolerable withdrawal symptoms to improve before making the next reduction. If using a published withdrawal schedule, apply it flexibly to accommodate the person's preferences, changes to their circumstances and the response to dose reductions.
Reduce the dose by a fixed amount at each decrement, unless clinical risk is such that rapid withdrawal is needed.
If a patient develops withdrawal reactions, consider pausing the taper or increasing the dosage to the previous tapered dosage level.
If women take this drug during pregnancy, there is a risk that their newborn infants will experience neonatal withdrawal syndrome.
Encephalopathy
Cases of encephalopathy have been reported, mostly in patients with underlying conditions that may precipitate encephalopathy.
Women of childbearing potential/Contraception
Pregabalin use in the first-trimester of pregnancy may cause major birth defects in the unborn child. Pregabalin should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefit to the mother clearly outweighs the potential risk to the foetus. Women of childbearing potential have to use effective contraception during treatment (see section 4.6).
Since pregabalin is predominantly excreted unchanged in the urine, undergoes negligible metabolism in humans (< 2% of a dose recovered in urine as metabolites), does not inhibit drug metabolism in vitro, and is not bound to plasma proteins, it is unlikely to produce, or be subject to, pharmacokinetic interactions.
In vivo studies and population pharmacokinetic analysis
Accordingly, in in vivo studies no clinically relevant pharmacokinetic interactions were observed between pregabalin and phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproic acid, lamotrigine, gabapentin, lorazepam, oxycodone or ethanol. Population pharmacokinetic analysis indicated that oral antidiabetics, diuretics, insulin, phenobarbital, tiagabine and topiramate had no clinically significant effect on pregabalin clearance.
Oral contraceptives, norethisterone and/or ethinyl oestradiol
Co-administration of pregabalin with the oral contraceptives norethisterone and/or ethinyl oestradiol does not influence the steady-state pharmacokinetics of either substance.
Central nervous system influencing medical products
Pregabalin may potentiate the effects of ethanol and lorazepam.
In the postmarketing experience, there are reports of respiratory failure, coma and deaths in patients taking pregabalin and opioids and/or other central nervous system (CNS) depressant medicinal products. Pregabalin appears to be additive in the impairment of cognitive and gross motor function caused by oxycodone.
Interactions and the elderly
No specific pharmacodynamic interaction studies were conducted in elderly volunteers. Interaction studies have only been performed in adults.
Women of childbearing potential/Contraception in males and females
Women of childbearing potential risk have to use effective contraception during treatment (see section 4.4).
Pregnancy
Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3).
Pregabalin has been shown to cross the placenta in rats (see section 5.2). Pregabalin may cross the human placenta.
Major congenital malformations
Data from a Nordic observational study of more than 2700 pregnancies exposed to pregabalin in the first trimester showed a higher prevalence of major congenital malformations (MCM) among the paediatric population (live or stillborn) exposed to pregabalin compared to the unexposed population (5.9% vs. 4.1%).
The risk of MCM among the paediatric population exposed to pregabalin in the first trimester was slightly higher compared to unexposed population (adjusted prevalence ratio and 95% confidence interval: 1.14 (0.96-1.35)), and compared to population exposed to lamotrigine (1.29 (1.01–1.65)) or to duloxetine (1.39 (1.07–1.82)).
The analyses on specific malformations showed higher risks for malformations of the nervous system, the eye, orofacial clefts, urinary malformations and genital malformations, but numbers were small and estimates imprecise.
Pregabalin Neuraxpharm should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary and if the benefit to the mother clearly outweighs the potential risk to the foetus.
Breast-feeding
Pregabalin is excreted into human milk (see section 5.2). The effect of pregabalin on newborns/infants is unknown. A decision must be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or to discontinue pregabalin therapy taking into account the benefit of breast-feeding for the child and the benefit of therapy for the woman.
Fertility
There are no clinical data on the effects of pregabalin on female fertility.
In a clinical trial to assess the effect of pregabalin on sperm motility, healthy male subjects were exposed to pregabalin at a dose of 600 mg/day. After 3 months of treatment, there were no effects on sperm motility.
A fertility study in female rats has shown adverse reproductive effects. Fertility studies in male rats have shown adverse reproductive and developmental effects. The clinical relevance of these findings is unknown (see section 5.3).
Pregabalin Neuraxpharm may have minor or moderate influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Pregabalin Neuraxpharm may cause dizziness and somnolence and therefore may influence the ability to drive or use machines. Patients are advised not to drive, operate complex machinery or engage in other potentially hazardous activities until it is known whether this medicinal product affects their ability to perform these activities.
The pregabalin clinical programme involved over 8,900 patients exposed to pregabalin, of whom over 5,600 were in double-blind placebo-controlled trials. The most commonly reported adverse reactions were dizziness and somnolence. Adverse reactions were usually mild to moderate in intensity. In all controlled studies, the discontinuation rate due to adverse reactions was 12% for patients receiving pregabalin and 5% for patients receiving placebo. The most common adverse reactions resulting in discontinuation from pregabalin treatment groups were dizziness and somnolence.
In table 2 below all adverse reactions, which occurred at an incidence greater than placebo and in more than one patient, are listed by class and frequency (very common (≥ 1/10); common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10); uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100); rare (≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000); very rare (< 1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
The adverse reactions listed may also be associated with the underlying disease and/or concomitant medicinal products.
In the treatment of central neuropathic pain due to spinal cord injury the incidence of adverse reactions in general, CNS adverse reactions and especially somnolence was increased (see section 4.4).
Additional reactions reported from postmarketing experience are included in italics in the list below.
Table 2. Pregabalin Adverse Drug Reactions
System Organ Class
Adverse drug reactions
Infections and infestations
Common
Nasopharyngitis
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Uncommon
Neutropaenia
Immune system disorders
Uncommon
Hypersensitivity
Rare
Angioedema, allergic reaction
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Common
Appetite increased
Uncommon
Anorexia, hypoglycaemia
Psychiatric disorders
Common
Euphoric mood, confusion, irritability, disorientation, insomnia, libido decreased
Uncommon
Hallucination, panic attack, restlessness, agitation, depression, depressed mood, elevated mood, aggression, mood swings, depersonalisation, word finding difficulty, abnormal dreams, libido increased, anorgasmia, apathy
Rare
Disinhibition, suicidal behaviour, suicidal ideation
Not known
Drug dependence
Nervous system disorders
Very Common
Dizziness, somnolence, headache
Common
Ataxia, coordination abnormal, tremor, dysarthria, amnesia, memory impairment, disturbance in attention, paraesthesia, hypoaesthesia, sedation, balance disorder, lethargy
Uncommon
Syncope, stupor, myoclonus, loss of consciousness, psychomotor hyperactivity, dyskinesia, dizziness postural, intention tremor, nystagmus, cognitive disorder, mental impairment, speech disorder, hyporeflexia, hyperaesthesia, burning sensation, ageusia, malaise
Rare
Convulsions, parosmia, hypokinesia, dysgraphia, Parkinsonism
Eye disorders
Common
Vision blurred, diplopia
Uncommon
Peripheral vision loss, visual disturbance, eye swelling, visual field defect, visual acuity reduced, eye pain, asthenopia, photopsia, dry eye, lacrimation increased, eye irritation
Rare
Vision loss, keratitis, oscillopsia, altered visual depth perception, mydriasis, strabismus, visual brightness
Ear and labyrinth disorders
Common
Vertigo
Uncommon
Hyperacusis
Cardiac disorders
Uncommon
Tachycardia, atrioventricular block first degree, sinus bradycardia, congestive heart failure
Rare
QT prolongation, sinus tachycardia, sinus arrhythmia
Vascular disorders
Uncommon
Hypotension, hypertension, hot flushes, flushing, peripheral coldness
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Uncommon
Dyspnoea, epistaxis, cough, nasal congestion, rhinitis, snoring, nasal dryness
Rare
Pulmonary oedema, throat tightness
Not known
Respiratory depression
Gastrointestinal disorders
Common
Vomiting, nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, flatulence, abdominal distension, dry mouth
Uncommon
Gastrooesophageal reflux disease, salivary hypersecretion, hypoaesthesia oral
Rare
Ascites, pancreatitis, swollen tongue, dysphagia
Hepatobiliary disorders
Uncommon
Elevated liver enzymes*
Rare
Jaundice
Very rare
Hepatic failure, hepatitis
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Uncommon
Rash papular, urticaria, hyperhidrosis, pruritus
Rare
Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, cold sweat
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Common
Muscle cramp, arthralgia, back pain, pain in limb, cervical spasm
Uncommon
Joint swelling, myalgia, muscle twitching, neck pain, muscle stiffness
Rare
Rhabdomyolysis
Renal and urinary disorders
Uncommon
Urinary incontinence, dysuria
Rare
Renal failure, oliguria, urinary retention
Reproductive system and breast disorders
Common
Erectile dysfunction
Uncommon
Sexual dysfunction, ejaculation delayed, dysmenorrhoea, breast pain
Rare
Amenorrhoea, breast discharge, breast enlargement, gynaecomastia
General disorders and administration site conditions
Common
oedema peripheral, oedema, gait abnormal, fall, feeling drunk, feeling abnormal, fatigue
Uncommon
Generalised oedema, face oedema, chest tightness, pain, pyrexia, thirst, chills, asthenia
lnvestigations
Common
Weight increased
Uncommon
Blood creatine phosphokinase increased, blood glucose increased, platelet count decreased, blood creatinine increased, blood potassium decreased, weight decreased
Rare
White blood cell count decreased
* Alanine aminotransferase increased (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase increased (AST).
Psychiatric disorders:
Drug dependence (see section 4.4)
General disorders and administration site condition:
After discontinuation of short-term and long-term treatment with pregabalin withdrawal symptoms have been observed. The following symptoms have been reported: insomnia, headache, nausea, anxiety, diarrhoea, flu syndrome, convulsions, nervousness, depression, suicidal ideation, pain, hyperhidrosis and dizziness. These symptoms may indicate drug dependence. The patient should be informed about this at the start of the treatment.
Concerning discontinuation of long-term treatment of pregabalin, data suggest that the incidence and severity of withdrawal symptoms may be dose-related (see sections 4.2 and 4.4).
Paediatric population
The pregabalin safety profile observed in five paediatric studies in patients with partial seizures with or without secondary generalisation (12-week efficacy and safety study in patients 4 to 16 years of age, n=295; 14 day efficacy and safety study in patients 1 month to younger than 4 years of age, n=175; pharmacokinetic and tolerability study, n=65; and two 1 year open label follow on safety studies, n=54 and n=431) was similar to that observed in the adult studies of patients with epilepsy. The most common adverse events observed in the 12-week study with pregabalin treatment were somnolence, pyrexia, upper respiratory tract infection, increased appetite, weight increased, and nasopharyngitis. The most common adverse events observed in the 14 day study with pregabalin treatment were somnolence, upper respiratory tract infection, and pyrexia (see sections 4.2, 5.1 and 5.2).
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
In the postmarketing experience, the most commonly reported adverse reactions observed when pregabalin was taken in overdose included somnolence, confusional state, agitation, and restlessness. Seizures were also reported.
In rare occasions, cases of coma have been reported.
Treatment of pregabalin overdose should include general supportive measures and may include haemodialysis if necessary (see section 4.2 Table 1).
Patients should be informed of the signs and symptoms of overdose and to ensure that family and friends are also aware of these signs and to seek immediate medical help if they occur.
Medicines sold in Romania with the same active substance: Cunoscut în România ca
Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Romanian medicines in the UK →
Medicines sold in Poland with the same active substance: W Polsce znany jako
Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Polish medicines in the UK →
Ask anything about Pregabalin Neuraxpharm 150 mg tablets. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
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