Treatment of Neuropathic Pain Associated With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) affects up to 50% of patients who have diabetes for at least 25 years. Up to 26% of all patients with DPN experience neuropathic pain. DPN pain contributes to sleep disorders, depression, and anxiety, which together may have an impact on a patient's well-being and quality of life. There are currently several drugs used to treat painful DPN. For example, Lyrica® (pregabalin) is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat neuropathic pain associated with DPN and is commonly prescribed. The dosage of the FDA-approved drugs is limited by side-effects such as dizziness, sleepiness, weight gain and swelling of the hands, legs, and feet. As a result, many patients suffering from DPN pain do not get satisfactory pain relief.