FDA approves fibromyalgia drug

WASHINGTON, June 22 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved pregabalin as the first drug to treat fibromyalgia.

The FDA said the drug, which is manufactured by Pfizer Inc. under the name Lyrica, reduces pain and improves daily functions for some patients with fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is typically characterized by chronic pain, muscle stiffness and tenderness.

The disorder, which affects about 3 million to 6 million people in the United States each year, mostly affects women in early-to-middle adulthood.

Studies have shown that patients have decreased pain after taking Lyrica but the mechanism by which Lyrica produces such an effect is unknown, the FDA said in a release.

Lyrica already is approved for treating partial seizures, pain following the rash of shingles and pain associated with diabetes nerve damage, the FDA said.