Introduction

Understanding Fibromyalgia
& Symptoms

Diagnosing Fibromyalgia

Treating Fibromyalgia

Relieving Fibromyalgia Pain
With LYRICA

Talking to a Doctor

Fibromyalgia Pain Questionnaire

LYRICA ANSWERS: Helping You
Get the Most From Treatment

Finding Pain Relief With LYRICA

How to Take LYRICA

Understanding Potential
Side Effects

Managing Your Condition

Partnering With Your Doctor

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Understanding Fibromyalgia & Symptoms

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is thought to be the result of overactive nerves. It is a condition that results in chronic widespread pain and tenderness all over. Here’s exactly what that means:

“Chronic” means that the pain lasts a long time—at least 3 months. Many people experience fibromyalgia pain for years before being diagnosed
“Widespread” means that it is all over the body. However, many people with fibromyalgia feel pain in the same places, such as the lower back and neck
“Tenderness” means that even a small amount of pressure can cause a lot of pain

Fibromyalgia is one of the most common chronic pain conditions. It affects more than 5 million people in the United States. That’s nearly 1 in every 60 Americans. Mostly women have it. But so can men. Most people begin feeling the symptoms of fibromyalgia when they are middle aged, but symptoms can start before then.

What causes fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is not a psychological condition. While the exact cause is still not known, it is believed to have a biological cause. Recent research suggests that changes in the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and nerves) may be responsible.

It is believed that there may be a number of factors working together:

Trauma—physical and emotional trauma have been linked to fibromyalgia
Family history—the genes you inherit from your parents may increase the likelihood of developing fibromyalgia
Infections—there is some evidence to suggest that certain illnesses can act as a trigger
Autoimmune diseases—people with disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to develop fibromyalgia

In recent years, there has been progress in the diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia. But there are still many aspects of fibromyalgia that are not understood. Because of the complexity of the condition, it can be difficult to diagnose.

The role of nerves

Connected to the muscles are nerves. Nerves throughout the body and spinal cord send messages to the brain. It is believed that people with fibromyalgia have overactive nerves. This may be responsible for the chronic all-over pain and tenderness of fibromyalgia.

Watch how LYRICA is believed to calm overactive nerves.

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Chronic widespread pain and tenderness are not the only fibromyalgia symptoms. Other symptoms may include:

Pain symptoms of fibromyalgia	Other symptoms of fibromyalgia
Deep muscle pain and soreness Morning stiffness Flu-like aching Radiating pain Sensitivity to touch	Problems sleeping Fatigue Difficulty thinking clearly, also known as "fibro fog" Difficulty performing everyday tasks Stress and anxiety Depression Migraine headaches

The symptoms of fibromyalgia vary from person to person. The symptoms can be worse on some days than others. Fibromyalgia symptoms can also be affected by your level of stress or physical activity. All these factors contribute to making fibromyalgia a condition that is difficult to diagnose.

Fibromyalgia symptoms can impact your whole life

When you have fibromyalgia, the symptoms can affect you every day. Don’t let the pain of fibromyalgia keep you from doing the things you want to do. There are treatment options available that can help your condition.

Partner with your doctor. Tell your doctor exactly what you are feeling.

By giving your doctor detailed information about your pain, you can help him or her make a diagnosis and determine if your pain is fibromyalgia. Fill out the Fibromyalgia Pain Questionnaire. Take it to your next appointment.

Do you think you may have fibromyalgia? Learn more on the next page.

Learn more: Diagnosing Fibromyalgia

LYRICA is indicated to treat fibromyalgia, diabetic nerve pain, and pain after shingles. LYRICA is also indicated to treat partial onset seizures in adults with epilepsy who take 1 or more drugs for seizures.

Important Safety Information

LYRICA is not for everyone. LYRICA may cause serious, even life threatening, allergic reactions. Stop taking LYRICA and call your doctor right away if you have any signs of a serious allergic reaction. Some signs are swelling of your face, mouth, lips, gums, tongue, throat or neck or if you have any trouble breathing, or have a rash, hives or blisters.

Drugs used to treat seizures increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. LYRICA may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500. Call your doctor right away if you have new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, or unusual changes in mood or behavior. If you have suicidal thoughts or actions, do not stop LYRICA without first talking to your doctor.

LYRICA may cause swelling of your hands, legs and feet, which can be serious for people with heart problems. LYRICA may cause dizziness and sleepiness. You should not drive or work with machines until you know how LYRICA affects you. Also, tell your doctor right away about muscle pain or problems along with feeling sick and feverish, or any changes in your eyesight including blurry vision or if you have any kidney problems or get dialysis.

Some of the most common side effects of LYRICA are dizziness, blurry vision, weight gain, sleepiness, trouble concentrating, swelling of your hands and feet, dry mouth, and feeling "high." If you have diabetes, tell your doctor about any skin sores.

You may have a higher chance for swelling and hives if you are also taking angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors so tell your doctor if you are taking these medications. You may have a higher chance of swelling of your hands or feet or gaining weight if you are also taking certain diabetes medicines. Do not drink alcohol while on LYRICA. You may have a higher chance for dizziness and sleepiness if you take LYRICA with alcohol, narcotic pain medicines, or medicines for anxiety.

Before you start LYRICA, tell your doctor if you are planning to father a child, or if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you have had a drug or alcohol problem, you may be more likely to misuse LYRICA.

In studies, a specific type of blood vessel tumor was seen in mice, but not in rats. The meaning of these findings in humans is not known.

Do not stop taking LYRICA without talking to your doctor. If you stop suddenly you may have headaches, nausea, diarrhea or trouble sleeping and if you have epilepsy, you may have seizures more often.

View the Medication Guide

View the Full Prescribing Information

The product information provided in this site is intended only for residents of the United States. The products discussed herein may have different product labeling in different countries.

The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.