Has anyone tried this medication?

From what I understand, not many people have tried it because you have to have a Medtronic type of device to even have the med given to you. Also as far as I know, I don't think that insurance covers it yet.
Anyone have more up to date info?

Prialt is only available for intrathercal pump delivery. If you read the manufacturer's package insert you will see that patient experience with this medication is very limited and the side effect profile reads like a horror movie.

I started taking this medication 9/2006 as a last ditch measure for neuropathic pain. I was never able to be triatrated up to a theraputic level. I demanded the medication be removed 12/2006. The cost of each pump refill is about $4K and was covered by my insurance. This medication is nasty stuff - do your research well before considering it as a treatment option.

Stella Marie



Psychotic events: I had one major and several minor events. During
the major event I over processed the idea that the Prialt was killing
me and the only way to stop it was to cut my pump out. My husband
took me to the ER, but my physician just passed it off as a panic
attack. Ironically, a patient at the hospital that I had my pump
implanted died within the last 6 months. I was told by a nurse that
she tried to remove her pump at home with a kitchen knife.

Increased pain: I have a neurodegenerative disease and the majority
of my pain is in my hip joints, and down both legs. I have aching,
stabbing, burning, numbness, and tingling. While on Prialt my pain
spread to my diaphragm, back and both arms.

Respitory Distress: I have several major events where my diaphragm
became rigid and I had extreme difficulty breathing. On Prialt, my
breathing was extremely shallow the majority of times.

Auditory Hallucinations: I began to hear odds sounds and noises.
My ears also started ringing all the time.

Urinary Retention: I began to suffer extreme edema and urinary
retention that required medical intervention.

Extreme Rash and Blisters: On my hands and feet. Skin would look
like it had been burnt, blisters and peeling.

Gums and Tongue: Became red and sore and felt as if they had been
scaled by hot food.

Total loss of reflexes: In both my arms and feet.

Altered taste and smell. I have never recovered my sense of taste.

Severe abdominal pain.

Profuse sweating at the nape of my neck.

Thanks Stella....I thought that someone out there might have some info!

thank you ======