Other
Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies. These studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior with antidepressant use in patients over age 24; there was a reduction in risk with antidepressant use in patients aged 65 and older [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.1)].
In patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy, monitor closely for worsening, and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Advise families and caregivers of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.1)].
Duloxetine delayed-release capsules are indicated for the treatment of:
- Major Depressive Disorder [see CLINICAL STUDIES (14.1)]
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder [see CLINICAL STUDIES (14.2)]
- Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy [see CLINICAL STUDIES (14.3)]
- Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain [see CLINICAL STUDIES (14.5)]
- Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Children, Adolescents and Young Adults [see BOXED WARNING and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.1)]
- Hepatotoxicity [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.2)]
- Orthostatic Hypotension, Falls and Syncope [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.3)]
- Serotonin Syndrome [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.4)]
- Abnormal Bleeding [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.5)]
- Severe Skin Reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.6)]
- Discontinuation of Treatment with duloxetine [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.7)]
- Activation of Mania/Hypomania [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.8)]
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.9)]
- Seizures [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.10)]
- Effect on Blood Pressure [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.11)]
- Clinically Important Drug Interactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.12)]
- Hyponatremia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.13)]
- Urinary Hesitation and Retention [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.15)]
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): 4 short-term and 1 maintenance trial in adults [see CLINICAL STUDIES (14.1)] .
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): 3 short-term trials in adults, 1 maintenance trial in adults [see CLINICAL STUDIES (14.2)] .
- Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain (DPNP): Two 12-week trials in adults [see CLINICAL STUDIES (14.3)] .
- Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: Two 12- to 13-week trials in adult patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and one 13-week trial in adult patients with chronic pain due to osteoarthritis [see CLINICAL STUDIES (14.5)].
Swallow duloxetine delayed-release capsules whole. Do not chew or crush. Do not open the capsule and sprinkle its contents on food or mix with liquids. All of these might affect the enteric coating. Duloxetine delayed-release capsules can be given without regard to meals. If a dose of duloxetine delayed-release capsules is missed, take the missed dose as soon as it is remembered. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses of duloxetine delayed-release capsules at the same time.
Duloxetine is available as delayed-release capsules:
20 mg: Size '4' capsules with green cap and green body imprinted with "LU" on cap and "Q01" in black ink on body, containing four white to off white mini tablets.
30 mg: Size '3' capsules with dark blue cap and white body imprinted with "LU" in white ink on cap and "Q02" in black ink on body, containing six white to off white mini tablets.
40 mg: Size '2' Capsules with white cap and white body imprinted with "LU" on cap and "H25" in black ink on body, containing eight white to off white mini tablets.
60 mg: Size '1' capsules with dark blue cap and green body imprinted with "LU" in white ink on cap and "Q03" in black ink on body, containing twelve white to off white mini tablets.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
The use of MAOIs intended to treat psychiatric disorders with duloxetine or within 5 days of stopping treatment with duloxetine is contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome. The use of duloxetine within 14 days of stopping an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders is also contraindicated [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.8) and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.4)].
Starting duloxetine in a patient who is being treated with MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue is also contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.9) and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.4)].
The following serious adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling:
Both CYP1A2 and CYP2D6 are responsible for duloxetine metabolism.
The efficacy of duloxetine has been established in the following adequate and well-controlled trials:
Pediatric use information for patient's ages 7 to 17 years is approved for Eli Lilly and Company, Inc.'s CYMBALTA® (duloxetine) delayed-release capsules. However, due to Eli Lilly and Company, Inc.'s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that pediatric information.