NEWSBRIEF: A generic form of the fibromyalgia drug Cymbalta (duloxetine) has received tentative approval from the U.S. FDA. Impax Laboratories sought approval for delayed-release 20, 30 and 60 mg duloxetine capsules.
The agency gives a "tentative approval" when the drug meets all standards but is still under market protection, meaning no one other than the current manufacture can produce and sell it. Eli Lilly will lose that protection in 2013.
This means that Impax can make arrangements to begin selling duloxetine once that protection runs out. Generic versions of medications are usually much less expensive and more likely to be covered by insurance.
Learn more or join the conversation!
NEWSLETTER | FORUM | BIO | TWITTER | FACEBOOK
I hope that have fewer side effects that hydrocodone because i’m tired of analgesics and its effects. I have read in findrxonline that the generic are not as effective as the brand, it is true that? I hope to help me to have a choice with my doctor the best option.
Cymbalta can have some truly horrid side effects, in fact, I have yet to meet someone who did not discontinue this drug due to the problems it caused….including me.
Jane-you’re crazy.
I’ve been taking cymbalta for almost a year now and have had signifigant relief of some symptoms….my two biggest issues with the drug are cost (with my current insurance I pay $70 for a 90 day supply and next year it will be $150 and my other issue is how sedating the medication is….my doc has prescribed the medication for twice a day, but I am only able to take it in the evening….when I take it in the morning I am barely able to keep my eyes open….
I’ve had good luck with Cymbalta. The pain is by no means gone, but the symptoms have improved and the random bouts of anxiety I used to take for granted almost never come anymore. I have sometimes had stomach trouble, while taking it, but this comes and goes. At this point it hasn’t been troublesome for at least 6 months.
It does seem to be rough on my skin. Small scratches or scrapes that would normally have cleared up in a couple of days can take weeks to heal, and my acne has gotten much worse. Small price to pay, in my opinion, though.
I took Cymbalta for my fibromyalgia for awhile. While it helped the pain some the side effects were horrid. It was fine for awhile but then all of a suddent the side effects crept up on me and I was miserable. I was not myself. I had no emotion good or bad. The tiredness was extreme. Many side effects and hard to get off of too.
I tried Cymbalta and had a nasty reaction when I increased the dose to 40 mg. It worked great the first two weeks. I am glad it helps some people.
Those with FM/CFs can be sensitive or become sensitive to medications or supplements where they might not have been before.
I think, too, as with any antidepressant, SSRI or SNRI, it depends on whether or not serotonin is one of your problems. For some, it may be thyroid or cortisol that is needed.
I do really well with zoloft. It is cheap and works just as well, IMO. I take a low 50 mg dose, which may not be considered a therapeutic level, but it works for me. Remember how we can test normal, but still not be in an optimal range? I think that is how the zoloft works for me.
If it were me, I would try something cheaper first, and if no relief is found, then move to the more expensive or non-insurance covered drugs.
For instance, I was prescribed Provigil. My insurance would not cover it and it was over $200 a month. I tried a few pills and it worked great! My Dr. suggested that I try dexedrine as a substitute. It works and is cheap.
I have tried Cymbalta twice and Zoloft and every other concievable medication suggesting a possible relief of pain and muscle aches and fatigue. I rallied in the first few weeks and then the side affects attack from behind, the sides then the front….. every drug has an accumulating affect of side effects that feltl as though I had been poisoned with a strange mushroom. After 7 years I have arrived at the conclusion for the second time that the original condition is simpler to deal with then the horrendous side affects of all medications except paracetomol and codiene which has its own limitations and side affects. Has anyone noticed that one is always prescribed a SSRI or SNRI for supposed depression or general malaise when it is the relentless pain and fatigue that makes you feel down, but one strong side affect of the SSRI and SNRI is a muscle cramping…bursitis and neck muscle spasm and general muscle complications. Takes about 3 months to show improvement after coming off any and all drugs. Just how I found things…. nothing prescribed really helps – I just wish monies went to how and why rather than how many colours the bandaids come in……Just my personal conclusions!!!
I have been on Cymbalta for several years with no serious side effects. The main problem I have had with anti-depressants for fibro treatments is weight gain (gained 40 lb on desipramine 10 tears ago – and it didn’t help). Cymbalta also has weight gain as one of its side effects.
My pain doc and I tried lots of different meds and until we got a decent mix of things that work pretty well.. He said research and conversations with other pain people show that Cymbalta typically treats EITHER depression or pain. Some people get relief from both problems. I believe it helps me for both problems.
Cymbalta is much better for the severe depression associated with fibromyalgia/cfs. I never got much pain relief from cymbalta alone – but I have never been on Cymbalta alone. I take timed release narcotic meds and I have many days where I feel “normal”. I cannot complain too much about my quality of life because I am able to get comfortable.
My type B 16 year old daughter has also contracted Fibro (mono that never went away). She is treated by a pain management doctor and a psychiatrist. She takes timed- release tramadol at very low doses, cymbalta, wellbutrin, and lyrica. She is back at high school after a year at home in bed (homeschooled)
Alcohol will surely make a miserable (physically and emotionally) person feel worse. But if you feel really bad to begin with – don’t give up!
Behavioral modification therapy was probably the best thing I ever did to help myself.
P.S. Don’t ever stop Cymbalta suddenly – much better to wean off.