Evaluating mirogabalin for treating diabetic foot pain

This study looked at the use of mirogabalin (Tarlige) to treat diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP). It found that mirogabalin was safe and effective at reducing pain in DPNP.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP) is a pain experienced by some diabetic patients due to nerve damage. This pain, which is usually in the feet, is a common and often debilitating complication of diabetes. Medications that target the nerves can help to relieve this pain. 

Pregabalin (Lyrica) is one medication that is often used for this. Mirogabalin is a newer version of pregabalin. It is not yet known if it is as safe and effective as pregabalin in reducing DPNP.

The authors of this study compiled the results of 3 other studies. Altogether the studies involved 1,732 patients with DPNP. 1,057 patients were taking mirogabalin, 141 were taking pregabalin, and 534 were taking a placebo. Weekly patient-reported pain scores were used to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment. Achieving a more than 50% reduction in pain score was considered a good result. 

Patients taking mirogabalin had significant reductions in pain scores at all time points compared to placebo. They had higher reductions in pain scores compared to those taking pregabalin at 3, 4, and 5 weeks. There was no difference in pain reduction between mirogabalin and pregabalin at weeks 1 and 2.

Patients taking mirogabalin were 38% more likely to achieve a higher than 50% reduction in pain scores than patients taking placebo. They were also 32% more likely to achieve this result than patients taking pregabalin. 

Both pregabalin and mirogabalin caused side effects in some patients. These side effects included dizziness, headache, weight gain, swollen feet, and fatigue. Mirogabalin and pregabalin were equally likely to cause these side effects.

This study concluded that mirogabalin was more effective than pregabalin in reducing patients’ pain scores over time. 

This study looked at the effects of mirogabalin over a 7 week period. More studies are needed to look at its long-term effectiveness and safety.

Speak to your physician about the use of mirogabalin to improve your diabetic foot pain.