Gabapentin in taxane-induced arthralgia

Abstract

Taxanes may cause dose-related polyneuropathy, arthralgias and myalgias. Arthralgias may be severe and worsen the quality of life. Gabapentin, an analogue of gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) is a second line antiepileptic drug that is also approved for neuropathic pain. Gabapentin is effective in taxane-induced arthralgias and myalgias, but there is no established schedule for its use. Here we report the use of high doses and a different usage pattern of gabapentin in a patient with taxane-induced arthralgia and low back pain who also showed signs of a mild to moderate degree of polyneuropathy. Taxane users usually have polyneuropathy either due to the toxic effect of this drug or to the cancer itself. Two prior reports of effectiveness of gabapentin on taxane-induced arthralgias have mentioned little or nothing about polyneuropathy in their cases and we believe this matter deserves discussion. Gabapentin seems to be active in high doses and may be the first choice of treatment in taxane-induced arthralgias and myalgias that usually accompany neuropathic pain. © 2006 VSP.