Is There a Lyrica Generic Available?

*This article was updated on January 28, 2020

As of July 2019, there is now a Lyrica generic called pregabalin.

Pfizer has received FDA approval for a longer-lasting version of the drug that could help defend its sales. That could halt any generic approval for Lyrica.

A Lyrica generic could be available as early as 2018

There are two patents for Lyrica that will expire on December 20, 2018. One is for the management of fibromyalgia, whereas the other is for the treatment of pain.

What does Lyrica treat?

Lyrica treats patients with chronic pain all over the body, better known as fibromyalgia. It also treats diabetic nerve pain, or pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The drug also treats spinal cord injury nerve pain, and pain after shingles. It is also used to treat partial onset seizures in adults with epilepsy.

When will a Januvia generic be available?

How long does it take for Lyrica to start working?

Lyrica may take some time to start working. In as early as one week, patients with fibromyalgia, diabetic nerve pain, pain after shingles, and pain treated with Lyrica, saw a decrease in pain. Individual results could vary.

Common Lyrica side effects

Dizziness and sleepiness are the most common side effects of Lyrica. Other side effects could include dry mouth, swelling of the feet and hands, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, and weight gain.

What is diabetic nerve pain?

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, also known as diabetic nerve pain, can be difficult to treat. It is basically nerve damage caused by chronically high blood sugar and diabetes and is the most common complication of diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy can lead to numbness, loss of sensation, and sometime pain in your hands, feet, or legs.

It is estimated that around 60 to 70 percent of all people with diabetes will eventually develop peripheral neuropathy.

It’s important for people with peripheral neuropathy to inspect their feet daily, since they may not feel heat, cold, or pain in their hands, feet, or legs.

Common diabetic nerve pain symptoms

The most common diabetic nerve pain symptom is numbness. Other symptoms can include pins and needles, tingling, burning, cold, pinching, buzzing, deep stabs, and sharpness. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, discuss them with your endocrinologist.