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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2009 Dec;10(4):185-91.
doi: 10.1007/s10195-009-0077-z. Epub 2009 Nov 18.

Pregabalin, celecoxib, and their combination for treatment of chronic low-back pain

Carlo Luca Romanò  1 , Delia Romanò, Cristina Bonora, Giuseppe Mineo
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Pregabalin, celecoxib, and their combination for treatment of chronic low-back pain

Carlo Luca Romanò et al. J Orthop Traumatol. 2009 Dec.

Abstract

Background: The efficacy and safety of the association of celecoxib [a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor] and pregabalin (commonly used to control neuropathic pain), compared with monotherapy of each, were evaluated for the treatment of chronic low-back pain, a condition known to be due to neuropathic as well as nociceptive pain mechanisms.

Materials and methods: In this prospective randomized trial, 36 patients received three consecutive 4-week treatment regimes, randomly assigned: celecoxib plus placebo, pregabalin plus placebo, and celecoxib plus pregabalin. All patients were assessed by using a visual analogue scale (VAS, 0-100 mm) and the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) pain scale by an investigator blinded to the administered pharmacological treatment.

Results: Celecoxib and pregabalin were effective in reducing low-back pain when patients were pooled according to LANSS score. The association of celecoxib and pregabalin was more effective than either monotherapy in a mixed population of patients with chronic low-back pain and when data were pooled according to LANSS score. Adverse effects of drug association and monotherapies were similar, with reduced drug consumption in the combined therapy.

Conclusions: Combination of celecoxib and pregabalin is more effective than monotherapy for chronic low-back pain, with similar adverse effects.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Percentage pain reduction at the end of each 4-week treatment regime: mean VAS at the end of treatment/mean pretreatment VAS
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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