Lyrica FAQ
How Does Lyrica Work?
Lyrica (generic: pregabalin) is an antiepileptic drug, also known as an anticonvulsant, that works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures. The medication also affects neurotransmitters in the brain that send pain signals across the nervous system.
What’s the Problem with Lyrica?
A study published in the journal Neurology in May 2016 linked use of Lyrica during the first trimester of pregnancy to a tripled risk of birth defects. About 6% of exposed fetuses had a heart defect, nervous system defect, or organ defect.
Which Birth Defects Have Been Linked to Lyrica?
When taken during pregnancy, Lyrica may increase the risk of the following types of birth defects:
Heart defects
Central nervous system defects, also called neural tube defects (spina bifida, anencephaly, encephalocele)
Structural defects in organs
Are There Other Side Effects?
In addition to being linked to birth defects in children exposed to the drug during pregnancy, Lyrica may also cause one or more of the following side effects in users:
- Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
- Chills
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty with swallowing
- Dizziness
- Fast heartbeat
- Hives
- Itching
- Joint or muscle pain
- Puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- Red skin lesions, often with a purple center
- Red, irritated eyes
- Skin rash
- Sore throat
- Sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
Has a Class Action Been Filed?
No class action lawsuit has yet been filed over injuries alleged from Lyrica. However, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck if your baby was harmed. Our lawyers are currently accepting potential individual lawsuits on behalf of children who were born with defects after they were exposed to Lyrica in the womb.
Have There Been Any Settlements?
In December 2012, The attorneys general of 33 states and the District of Columbia reached a $43 million settlement with Pfizer over allegations the company ignored FDA warnings and made false marketing claims about Lyrica and Zyvox. In regards to Lyrica, the attorneys general took issue with Pfizer’s continued “off-label” marketing of the drug.
Has Lyrica Been Recalled?
In January 2016, nearly 150,000 bottles of Lyrica were recalled in the U.S. and Puerto Rico because they may have been damaged by “extreme heat” while being transported. Pfizer warned that the problem could affect integrity of the medication in the capsules, which means they could lose some of their active ingredients.
What Damages Could I be Awarded?
Lyrica birth defects are extremely costly, both in terms of the damaged caused by the defect and its associated medical expenses. If your child was injured, you may be able to seek compensation to assist with these expenses, including past and future care, lost wages for yourself or other caregiver, pain and suffering, and other damages.