Milnacipran (Savella) Approved for Fibromyalgia Pain
Third Medication for FM
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Jan. 14, 2009, approved Savella as the first drug specifically for the treatment of fibromyalgia ... and not just the pain. While two other medications have been given FDA approval for treating fibromyalgia pain, they were already available on the U.S. market for other medical uses. The pharmaceutical industry has recognized the urgent need for additional choices and has several new drugs under development. These medications include Rotigotine, Riboxetine, and Xyrem. During several clinical studies these medications have shown positive effects on FM pain, sleep, and function. They were well tolerated and appear to be safe. Some of these medications have applications pending for FDA approval. If successful these drug would be the second to have a FM indication which makes it easier for practitioners to prescribe these medications. This would also result in coverage of these drugs by HMOs and other insurance companies.
Although one therapy alone only infrequently results in complete resolution of FM symptoms, combination drug therapy or additional therapies like sleep hygiene, physical therapy, stress reduction, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be necessary.
Many lines of evidence indicate that FM pain is a chronic process that has led to changes in pain processing of most FM patients but this process is either partially or completely reversible. Like many other chronic conditions, pain therapy requires dedication, discipline, and life style changes. Most importantly, however, it can be done if you set your mind to it!