In the last 5 years there has been a sharp rise in the use of intrathecal baclofen for the treatment of spasticity in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of intrathecal baclofen on spasticity induced by spinal cord injury in rats. The protocol for this study was approved by the ethics committee of the Centre for Clinical Research and Training, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bremen.
This is a retrospective study of 12-week, single-centre, prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of baclofen on SCI patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study included six SCI patients in the acute phase of spinal cord injury (SCI), six in the chronic phase, two in the early stage of postoperative care, and two in the early postoperative period. The study included the group of three groups of three patients (group I) in which the intrathecal baclofen dose was increased from 1.4 mg/day to 2.4 mg/day and the dose of baclofen was increased from 2.4 mg/day to 4.4 mg/day. A total of 13 patients received baclofen during the acute phase of SCI and 6 patients in the chronic phase were enrolled during the preoperative and postoperative period. All patients with SCI were eligible for the study.
All patients with spinal cord injury were treated with intrathecal baclofen therapy for 5 days, then 1 week before the study procedure, the intrathecal baclofen dose was increased from 1.4 mg/day to 2.4 mg/day, and the dose of baclofen was increased from 2.4 mg/day to 4.4 mg/day. The patients were given a maximum of 3 mg/day of baclofen. Patients were evaluated for the effects of baclofen therapy on the following: spasticity, functional outcome of the spinal cord, the severity of spasticity, and the incidence of neurological adverse events.
Subjects in each group were evaluated at preoperative, postoperative, and early postoperative weeks (EPMs) using the modified Ashworth Scale, the modified Ashworth Scale, and the functional outcome of the spinal cord at postoperative week (POP) 6. The investigators were blinded to the treatment groups.
A total of 13 patients received intrathecal baclofen at the doses of 1.4 mg/day, 2.4 mg/day, and 4.4 mg/day, respectively. The mean duration of the baclofen treatment was 3.4 ± 1.2 months, with the mean age of the patients was 48.4 ± 10.4 years, and the mean body weight was 35.9 ± 4.9 kg. The mean length of the study was 7.5 ± 0.9 years. There were 12 men and 12 women in each group. The mean spasticity of the patients was 6.4 ± 0.3 and the severity of spasticity was 4.9 ± 0.6. The mean length of the study was 7.3 ± 0.6 years. There were three males in each group.
The results of this study suggest that the administration of intrathecal baclofen therapy for patients with spinal cord injury is safe and effective. The duration of the drug is limited to a minimum of 3 months in the acute phase of SCI and to 1 week in the chronic phase of SCI. The mean duration of baclofen treatment was 3.4 ± 1.2 months and there was no difference in the total and individual spasticity, the severity of spasticity, and the incidence of neurological adverse events. It is recommended that treatment should be continued for 5 days in patients with SCI who are already receiving intrathecal baclofen therapy.
Abbreviations: AS, intrathecal; SCI, spinal cord injury; SCI = spinal cord injury;
The authors have no conflict of interests.
Published online: 15-May-2020, doi: 10.1002/1465-6961.2021
The authors are grateful to the patients for their assistance in the study. The authors would also like to thank the Academic Editorial Board, University of Bremen for their assistance in preparing this article.Baclofen is a medication primarily used to treat muscle spasms caused by neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and other neurological disorders. It belongs to the muscle relaxant class and is typically used to improve movement and sleep patterns.
The global baclofen market is experiencing significant growth driven by several key factors:
Several factors are driving the growth of the baclofen market:
For many products that are being explored for clinical equivalency, an Increasing number ofREFs and other low-cost baclofen-based products is an attractive target. However, it is also important to note that these products require a valid refill and should be weighed against their clinical efficacy[2].
Some foreign makers of baclofen may be able to mitigate this cost-effective option by supplying baclofen directly into the market. For instance, Pusan Remedies Co., Ltd. supplied at least one refilled baclofen prescription from a supplier of this kind in its market in 2004. This approach is expected to help increase the chances of success with this strategy[2].
The baclofen cost strategy is a promising avenue for the pharmaceutical market because it allows foreign manufacturers to improve their product range and reach out to key market players in a cost-effective manner. For instance, Pfizer currently markets a single baclofen prescription of $12.95 for a supply of 30 prescriptions, making it the most expensive baclofen therapy. However, it is also worth noting that the baclofen cost strategy helps raise the BnCO% threshold for clinical equivalency[2].
There is a possibility of interactivity with baclofen and other medications. For instance, certain baclofen products, such as baclofen-containing products, may contain ingredients that can interact with baclofen and thereby enhance its therapeutic effects. However, it is crucial to consider that this issue is still unresolved, and this practice is still driving market growth[2].
The baclofen cost strategy helps reduce co-payments by using reduced fees and discounts for patients. For instance, a patient may earn a small cash price for their co-payments when they purchase baclofen through the scheme. This savings is especially significant for patients who live in countries such as the United States or Europe where co-payment costs are a significant issue[2][4].
A recent report by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) found that baclofen has a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes than other medications used to treat these disorders. A small amount of the product can lead to serious heart or stroke risks.
While the safety and efficacy of baclofen have not been well established, its potential interactions with other medications is worth the potential risk. The FDA also reviewed the literature for potential drug interactions that could lead to drug interactions.
The drug interactions that the FDA found were not considered in this review. The FDA has issued several safety warnings and other recommendations related to the use of baclofen, including the following:
The FDA has also issued a safety warning about the possible interaction between baclofen and certain other medications. The risk for baclofen may be increased in people who take baclofen for a long time and who have severe liver disease. The risk for baclofen is increased in people who have liver disease, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and those taking other medications that can lower blood pressure, including medications that reduce blood sugar levels.
Baclofen has been used off-label in the treatment of spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Baclofen is a muscle relaxant drug that can cause muscle spasms and muscle stiffness. When used for pain relief, baclofen can increase the nervous system effects that cause muscle spasms.
When used to treat spasticity, the benefits of baclofen may outweigh the risks.
When used to treat severe spasticity, baclofen may increase the nervous system effects that cause muscle spasms. Because baclofen can cause muscle spasms, it is important to take baclofen at the same time every day and to not to exceed the maximum daily dose of baclofen for the condition.
There are some additional risks associated with using baclofen for the treatment of spasticity. In general, baclofen is a muscle relaxant, so it is important to tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, especially if you have spasticity, diabetes, or high cholesterol. You should also tell your healthcare provider about any medications you take.
If you are taking baclofen to treat spasticity, you should tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you take. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements.
If you are taking baclofen to treat severe spasticity, you should tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you take.
If you are taking baclofen to treat muscle spasms, you should tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you take.
is a prescription medication that was approved by the FDA for the treatment of spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis (MS) in 1977. As of 2017, Lioresal is used to treat MS and has proven to be effective in many different conditions. This article will explain the uses of Lioresal, and what causes it, and how to get it.
Lioresal and Lioresal XL are both medications that are used to help treat MS, but they are not exactly the same, and the main difference is how they are taken. Lioresal (or Baclofen) is an orally administered medication that is taken once daily, usually before a meal. It works by increasing the amount of fluid and muscle tissue that are in your bloodstream. On the other hand, Lioresal is a muscle relaxer and can be taken over an extended period of time.
Lioresal is a prescription medication, and it is typically taken by mouth once a day, with or without food.
Lioresal is used to treat MS and is approved to treat spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis. When taken as prescribed, Lioresal can help reduce spasticity and improve movement in multiple sclerosis. By increasing the amount of fluid and muscle tissue in your bloodstream, Lioresal can help reduce spasticity and improve the ability to perform activities of daily living.
Lioresal works by relaxing muscle tissue in the blood vessels and improving circulation in your muscles. It helps reduce muscle pain and improves muscle function.
Lioresal is typically taken once a day, with or without food. It is important to note that Lioresal is not a cure for MS, but it is an effective treatment for conditions such as MS. However, it may not be a suitable option for everyone.
Lioresal has been shown to be effective for up to 4-6 months in people with MS who have had no significant changes in their symptoms.
Lioresal can cause side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, headache, and muscle pain, and the risk of these side effects may increase with long-term use. It is important to speak with your doctor if you are taking Lioresal for any reason, especially if you have a history of muscle pain or spasticity. They may recommend a different medication to address the same condition.
It is important to speak with your doctor if you are taking Lioresal for any reason, especially if you have been taking it for a long time or if you have been taking other medications.
If you are taking Lioresal for a long time, it may not be safe to take it for long periods of time. It may not be effective for you to take Lioresal for longer than this, and it may not be suitable for everyone.
Lioresal can cause side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, headache, and muscle pain. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, it is important to speak with your doctor if you experience any of these side effects.