An Australian mother who survived horrific burns on more than half of her body, after catching fire, claims that the analgesic she was prescribed is the culprit.
Vicky Edwards, 48, told A Current Affair that she is now speaking to warn others about Lyrica 18 months after suffering horrific burns.
“Lyrica did me good and right,” Edwards says.
Vicky Edwards. (A topical issue)
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Lyrica, also known as Pregabalin, was originally prescribed to treat epilepsy and nerve pain.
But now it is often given to patients with chronic pain.
It was manufactured by Pfizer and was added to the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Plan in 2013.
Lyric. (A topical issue)
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Edwards claims he was prescribed the drug for nerve pain after a sore back in training and ended up with “three disc bumps”.
She believes that six weeks is all it took for the medication to take over her mind.
“It wasn’t me and it cost me everything,” Edwards said.
Australian mother, Vicky Edwards. (A topical issue)
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She said she was taking 150 milligrams a day and that things made “no sense” to her.
On January 22, 2021, Edwards’ life began to get out of hand.
“My eldest daughter sat me in bed and said,‘ Mom, this is not real, this is not happening, this is not you, ’she said.
Forty-eight hours later, the situation intensified.
“I lit up and ran outside the fire … screaming,” Edwards said.
Vicky Edwards was in a coma for two months. (A topical issue)
“I don’t remember the pain and my neighbor came out because he was screaming … that man and his wife saved my life.”
Edwards spent the next two months in a coma with burns to 54% of his body.
“I was covered from head to toe with bandages, I could only see my eyes … and I knew I had problems … I knew it was bad because I couldn’t move,” said the 48-year-old mother.
“I was in a lot of pain, I remember.”
Until now, doctors assumed that Edwards had attempted to take his own life in a violent and devastating manner.
Vicky Edwards survived horrific burns on more than half of her body. (A topical issue)
But Edwards always thought it was something else.
“Lyrica did this to me,” says Edwards.
Dr. Stephen Salerno is Edwards’ burn surgeon at Alfred Hospital in Melbourne.
“One day you’re completely normal and in a matter of seconds, they take your life completely – what it was – and you have to rebuild it,” Salerno said of Edwards’ situation.
Salerno is preparing Edwards for another major operation.
It will be Edwards’ 16th surgery and will not be his last.
Dr. Stephen Salerno is a burn surgeon at Alfred Hospital in Melbourne. (A topical issue)
His recovery will continue for the rest of his life and he tests his strength every day.
The psychiatrist, says Dr. Tanveer Ahmed, “seems to have this clear association with Lyrica and self-harm and suicidal thoughts.”
“Anyone with a mental health history, anyone with any kind of psychological vulnerability, seems to be at a much higher risk … thoughts of self-harm, suicidal ideation, uncontrollable tantrums that they have never had before,” he said.
“The challenge is to link it directly to the drug because there are usually many other factors that can interact with Lyrica.”
Ahmed said educating patients is crucial.
Psychiatrist, Dr. Tanveer Ahmed. (A topical issue)
“It should be the responsibility of GPs to take risks, that is, addiction, addiction and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or self-harm … these risks should be communicated to patients.” said Ahmed.
In the United States, Pfizer has been prosecuted for marketing Lyrica and fined $ 2.3 billion for illegal marketing.
Edwards wants to lead a collective action in Australia.
“Class action could really put the microscope in the exact evidence linking Lyrica to potential harm, such as self-harm; suicidal thoughts and getting the actual microscope, getting … Lyrica in court,” he said. Ahmed.
In a statement to A Current Affair, a Pfizer spokesman said, “Lyrica is no longer a Pfizer product.”
Below is a full statement from a spokesperson for Viatris, the current owner.
If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance, please contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au.
In the event of an emergency, call 000.
If you, or someone you know, would like to speak with someone confidentially about addiction, please contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 or visit Reach Out.
In the event of an emergency, call 000.
Full statement from a Pfizer spokesperson:
“Lyrica is no longer a Pfizer product.”
Full statement from a Viatris spokesperson:
Patient safety and the proper use of our medications is of the utmost importance to our business. It is important to note that pregabalin should only be used when prescribed by a physician, and when properly prescribed and administered, according to the approved label, this medication is an important treatment option for many patients. The efficacy and safety of this drug have been demonstrated in a large number of robust clinical trials among thousands of patients in approved indications 1-19.
As with all of our medications, we remain committed to ensuring the proper communication of important safety information to healthcare professionals to educate them about the proper use of the medication so that they can make an informed decision about risk versus benefit. consultation with your patients. Australian product information (for physicians) and consumer medication information (for patients) available on the Therapeutic Products Administration website contain details about pregabalin for prescribers and patients to support use. drug safe. According to prescribing information for pregabalin, all antiepileptic drugs may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors in patients taking these medications for any indication 20, 21. The current labeling of pregabalin accurately reflects these risks and provides guidance for doctors to identify the right patients and monitor their treatment.
References:
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18. Stacey BR, …