Boxed warnings for pregabalin as deaths continue

The introduction of warning labels comes as a coroner calls for the drug to be covered in real-time prescription monitoring software.
Pregabalin

New warnings on pregabalin will advise doctors to assess a patient’s risk of abuse before prescribing the drug and to monitor them regularly during treatment.

The TGA-mandated warnings have been introduced as the Victorian coroner has again recommended pregabalin be covered by the state’s prescription monitoring software, Safe Script, following another overdose death.

In inquest findings handed down on Tuesday, the coroner said GPs Dr Michael Kunze and Dr Pete Verbeek should be commended for their management of Diane Hillgrove, who had a complex medical history including a colectomy, seven laparoscopies to treat endometriosis and three inguinal hernia repairs.

Despite their efforts to manage her on diazepam, zolpidem and up to 300mg of pregabalin per day, the 33-year-old died from an overdose after sourcing pregabalin from other doctors.