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Pregabalin found safe, effective for patients with hand osteoarthritis

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WASHINGTON — After 12 weeks, 300-mg pregabalin compared with duloxetine or placebo was safe and effective for improving function and alleviating pain in patients with hand osteoarthritis that featured centrally mediated heightened pain symptoms, according to data presented at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting.

“We feel that clinical trials in the future that examine the balance between efficacy and side effects of pregabalin and duloxetine should be encouraged,” Nidhi Sofat, PhD, from St. George’s University of London, said during her presentation.

Sofat and colleagues performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 85 participants from 42 clinics in the United Kingdom. Of this group, 65 participants had hand osteoarthritis (OA) and had a mean age of 62 years. Patients were assigned to receive either placebo, up to 60 mg of duloxetine or up to 300 mg of pregabalin. After 12 weeks, the researchers assessed the changes in the Australian and Canadian Hand Osteoarthritis Index (AUSCAN) pain score and the VAS pain rating. As secondary endpoints, they assessed AUSCAN function, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and pain pressure thresholds (PPTs) for sensitization.

A greater mean reduction in AUSCAN pain scores occurred in the pregabalin group (–132.1), compared with duloxetine (–62.5) and placebo (–47.1). The most significant improvements occurred in the pregabalin group, as AUSCAN pain reduction with use of duloxetine was not significant. There was a significant improvement for both pregabalin and duloxetine in VAS pain, but not in depression or anxiety.

At baseline, PPT was lower in patients with hand OA compared with participants without OA. Side effects were similar between pregabalin and duloxetine groups, although dizziness, dry mouth, sleepiness and loss of balance more often occurred in the pregabalin group. – by Will Offit

Reference:

Sofat N, et al. Abstract #3131. Presented at: American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting; Nov. 11-16, 2016; Washington.

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.