Pregabalin - oral

Pregabalin is used together with other medicines to help control certain types of epilepsy (also known as seizures or fits).

This medicine is also used to treat pain due to damaged nerves.

It may also be used to treat fibromyalgia (a condition in which there is severe fatigue and muscle aches).

Pregabalin may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.

Take Pregabalin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.

This medicine is available as a capsule or as an oral solution.

If you are taking an oral solution, use the oral syringe provided to measure your dose.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of your treatment depending on your condition and response to the medication.

Pregabalin must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• ever had a history of angioedema (condition characterised by swelling, caused by a buildup of fluid)
• heart disease e.g. heart failure
• kidney disease
• diabetes
• history of alcohol or drug abuse

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to an elderly. Elderly may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine tests (e.g. platelet count, kidney function test) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you will need to have these tests.
• Monitoring of signs of suicidal thoughts or attempts may also be needed.

Pregabalin may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

Other side effects include any of the following: weight gain, nausea, vomiting, increased appetite, dry mouth, diarrhoea, constipation, headache, confusion, unsteadiness when walking, reduced coordination, shaking, tremors, blurred vision, double vision, muscle or joint pain, and weakness.

Some side effects may be serious, although they are not common. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience:

• rashes with skin peeling or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
• breathing difficulties, swelling of the eyes, face or lips
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having thoughts of self-harm)

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• strong painkiller e.g. oxycodone
• medicines for high blood pressure e.g. captopril, enalapril
• medicine for sleep disorder or anxiety e.g. lorazepam

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Pregabalin.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.