Pregabalin provides remarkable relief of refractory pruritus: a case report

ABSTRACT

<b>Introduction</b> It is difficult in the treatment for the patients with refractory pruritus by conventional oral or external medication. <b>Case report</b> A 72-year-old woman with pancreatic metastasis of primary lung cancer, who was treated by control-release oxycodone for cancer pain and endoscopic biliary drainage for obstructive jaundice. Although external medication and oral anti-allergic agents (mirtazapine and herbal medicine) were administered for pruritus, there was no improvement. The patient was diagnosed with refractory pruritus and pregabalin was administered. After the beginning of low dose, increase of dosage provided improvement at the third day of the administration. Finally, numerical rating scale improved from 8/10 in previous treatment to 0-1/10 in following treatment, and the symptom was relieved. <b>Discussion</b> A few previous research of effectiveness on pregabalin for pruritus have been reported from abroad. The improvement for refractory pruritus was provided by pregabalin. <b>Conclusion</b> We conclude that pregabalin is a one of the options for effective treatment for refractory pruritus.