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FDA approves 9 generic versions of nerve pain drug Lyrica

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration building can be seen behind FDA logos at a bus stop on the agency’s campus in Silver Spring, Md. (Jacquelyn Martin / AP)
By Linda A. Johnson Associated Press

TRENTON, N.J. – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first generic copies of a popular, pricey pill for nerve pain.

The agency on Monday said it approved nine generic versions of Pfizer Inc.’s Lyrica. It is also used for seizures and fibromyalgia, a condition that causes chronic, widespread pain.

Lyrica, approved in 2004, is Pfizer’s second bestseller, with sales last year of $4.6 billion. The heavily advertised drug costs about $460 to $720 per month without insurance, depending on the pharmacy. Prices can vary widely.

Prices for generic versions range from about $140 to $370 per month, according to the drug price comparison site GoodRx.

Common side effects include dizziness, blurred vision and sleepiness. Serious side effects include allergic reactions and life-threatening breathing problems.