Are there situations allowing lyrica dose omission?

Can patients safely skip doses of Lyrica?

Lyrica, also known as pregabalin, is a medication used to treat epilepsy, fibromyalgia, and nerve pain. While generally safe, there are some situations where patients may be able to safely skip doses. According to the Lyrica prescribing information, patients can omit a dose if they miss one, but they should not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose [1].

When can patients skip doses of Lyrica?

Patients can safely skip doses of Lyrica in the following situations:

* If they miss a dose, they can wait until the next scheduled dose and take it as usual.
* If they forget to take their evening dose, they can take it in the morning the next day, and then resume their regular schedule.
* If they are taking Lyrica for epilepsy or nerve pain, their doctor may recommend a schedule to minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms.

What are the risks of skipping Lyrica doses?

While omitting one or two doses is unlikely to cause harm, skipping multiple doses can lead to withdrawal symptoms, such as:
* Dizziness
* Nausea
* Headaches
* Seizures (in patients taking Lyrica for epilepsy) [2]

It is essential to follow the recommended dosage regimen and not skip doses without consulting a doctor.

Should patients adjust their dosage or schedule?

Patients who plan to travel, have work or school commitments, or experience side effects should discuss their treatment plan with their doctor. Their doctor may recommend adjustments to their dosage or schedule to make it easier to manage their medication [3].

Lyrica patent and exclusivity

According to DrugPatentWatch.com, the pregabalin patent expired in November 2019, allowing generic versions of the medication to be available [4].

References:

[1] Lyrica prescribing information. (2022). Pfizer.

[2] FDA. (2019). Pregabalin.

[3] WebMD. (2022). Lyrica.

[4] DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Pregabalin patent information.

Sources:
1. Pfizer. Lyrica Prescribing Information. 2022. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/021366s032lbl.pdf
2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Pregabalin. (2019). Available at: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/drug-class/epilepsy-medications
3. WebMD. Lyrica. (2022). Available at: https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-103144/lyrica-oral/details
4. DrugPatentWatch.com. Pregabalin patent information. (2022). Available at: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-7445986B2