Forest Laboratories, Inc. and Cypress Bioscience, Inc. announced on January 16, 2009 that Savella (milnacipran HCl), a selective serotonin and norepinephrine dual reuptake inhibitor, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of fibromyalgia.  Two phase III clinical trials involving over 2000 patients showed that Savella doses of 100 mg/day and 200 mg/day demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful concurrent improvements in pain, patient global assessment and physical function.  The companies expect Savella to be available in pharmacies by March 2009.   You can learn more about Savella and read the full press release by visiting Forest Laboratories’ website.

This addition to the two medications already listed by the FDA (Lyrica and Cymbalta) for the treatment of fibromyalgia highlights the need for the availability of multiple different medications to treat fibromyalgia – just as multiple medications are needed for most chronic illnesses.  Fibromyalgia is a complex condition, and patients respond to different medications.  If you and your physician have not yet found the right treatment combination for you (exercise, stress reduction, diet and medications, for example), encourage your physician to learn about Savella and consider a trial.