FDA Approves the First Ever Fibromyalgia Drug
The FDA approved the release of a new drug to treat fibromyalgia. This drug may have side effects that are far worse than the actual condition.
This new drug called Lyrica® (pregabalin), marketed by Pfizer, claims to reduce pain and improve function in patients with fibromyalgia. Some of the side effects include dizziness, sleepiness, blurry vision, weight gain, trouble concentrating, swelling of the hands and feet, and dry mouth. Allergic reactions can also occur. These are rare, but are potentially serious. The FDA advises patients to talk with their doctors about whether using Lyrica will impair their ability to drive.
Fibromyalgia affects 3 million to 6 million people in the United States each year. People with fibromyalgia can experience pain anywhere, but common sites of pain include the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms, and legs. In addition to pain and fatigue, other symptoms include: difficulty sleeping, morning stiffness, headaches, painful menstrual periods, tingling or numbness of hands or feet, and difficulty thinking and remembering. Some people with the condition may also experience irritable bowel syndrome, pelvic pain, restless leg syndrome, and depression.
Although the causes of fibromyalgia remain “unknown” by general medicine, the field of Oriental Medicine believes this condition is due to liver stagnation and toxicity. When the kidneys and liver get overwhelmed by toxins, from foods and the environment, it causes pain and fatigue. Today’s medical options for relief of this condition are pain killers, sleeping drugs and muscle relaxants, and psychiatric medications that merely cover up the condition. These drugs merely do more damage to the liver and kidneys.
The safest solution for this painful condition is a natural approach such as Acupuncture or Chiropractic. These natural healthcare professionals are trained to find the source of the disease for a natural and more permanent solution for the relief of pain and fatigue.