Duloxetine

Drug Name
Duloxetine

Brand Name(s)
Cymbalta®

Drug Class
Prescription medication

Duloxetine is a first-line agent for fibromyalgia and a second-line agent for treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee that has not responded to acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Duloxetine works by blocking neurotransmitters (serotonin and norepinephrine) that are involved in nerve pain. Stopping this medication requires monitoring by a healthcare provider as that may cause withdrawal side effects.

This information was last updated in June 2024 with expert review and advice by:

Alan Low, BSc(Pharm), PharmD, ACPR, FCSHP, CCD, RPh
Clinical Professor, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia
Pharmacy Lead and Primary Care Pharmacist, BioPro Biologics Pharmacy 
Care Director, MedInfuse Health

Garrett Tang, PharmD, RPh
Pharmacist Services Coordinator, MedInfuse Health

We also thank previous expert contributors:

Jason Kielly, BSc(Pharm), PharmD
Assistant Professor, School of Pharmacy, Memorial University of Newfoundland
Clinical Pharmacist, Rheumatic Health Program, Eastern Health

Hamidreza Izadpanah , Pharm.D.

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