Diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain reduced from severe to mild with tapentadol ER (extended release)
May - 14 - 2009
The mu-opioid agonist and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor tapentadol extended release (ER) (Ortho-McNeil Janssen, Johnson & Johnson, Gruenenthal) was effective in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 591 patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain.
Patients entered the 12-week double-blind period after titration to an optimal tapentadol ER dose (100-250 mg b.i.d.) during a 3-week open-label period, with only patients achieving an improvement of at least one point in pain intensity randomized (n = 391).
Mean pain intensity on an 11-point scale was 7.3 at the beginning at the open-label period, signifying severe pain. At the end of the open-label period, mean pain intensity was 3.5, signifying mild pain.
The change in pain intensity from the beginning to the end of the double-blind period significantly favored tapentadol ER compared to placebo, with a 1.31 least-squares mean difference.
Tapentadol ER was well tolerated, with adverse events linked to discontinuation in 14.8% in the double-blind period (Etropolski, M. et al. 61st Annu Meet Am Acad Neurol (AAN) (April 25-May 2, Seattle) 2009, Abst P05.047).
The immediate release formulation of tapentadol (Nucynta[TM]) for the relief of moderate to severe acute pain was approved by the FDA in 2008; an NDA for the extended release formulation for chronic pain is planned for this year.
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Nucynta (pronounced new-cent'-a) is the brand name. Tapentadol is the chemical name. There is no generic right now.
This is a brand new schedule II medication. A one month supply costs $400.00.
The pain specialist said it's tolerated better than other opioids, causing much less constipation and nausea because it binds to different pain receptors.
Have any of you tried this for neuropathic pain?
[ 08-22-2009, 07:04 PM: Message edited by: hshbmom ]
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
howdy hshbmom,
could you break up those technical paragraphs into 1 sentence paragraphs so we can comprehend; big thanks my friend since i have diabetes 2; thanks hugs/kisses
Posted by hshbmom (Member # 9478) on :
There 'ya go BG!
Posted by Jill E. (Member # 9121) on :
Thanks - I've had nonstop severe neuropathic pain for over five years that is not responding to any antibiotic so far.
Jill
Posted by hshbmom (Member # 9478) on :
It's only been a couple days, but there was cautious optimism last night that maybe this medication is having some effect.
This would be the first bit of progress addressing the pain problem since Oct. 2006. This medication has been prescribed for central pain syndrome and peripheral neuropathy.
Could this be the big breakthrough we've been looking for?
Posted by Beautiful Disaster (Member # 21882) on :
I was on it 2 months ago. It bombed for me.
Posted by hshbmom (Member # 9478) on :
I'm sorry to hear that BD, how long were you on it? What kind of side effects did you have? Have you tried Savella?
Posted by hshbmom (Member # 9478) on :
Jill, antibiotics are needed to cure the infection, but you may also require pain meds to be able to function daily while you're hitting the bacteria.
Ask your LLMD for a referral to a LL pain specialist.
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