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Duloxetine Delayed-Release Capsules – Product Information
Manufacture: Actavis
Condition: Anxiety, Back Pain, Chronic Pain, Depression, Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, Fibromyalgia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Osteoarthritis
Class: Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
Form: Capsules
Ingredients: Duloxetine Hydrochloride, Ammonium Hydroxide, Black Iron Oxide, Gelatin, Hydroxypropyl Cellulose, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Phthalate, Hypromellose, Potassium Hydroxide, Propylene Glycol, Shellac, Sugar Spheres (sucrose And Corn Starch), Talc, Titanium Dioxide, Triethyl Citrate
Warning: suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Nonclinical toxicology
How supplied/storage and handling
Patient counseling information
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 is not approved for use in pediatric patients [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].
Duloxetine delayed-release capsules, USP are indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). The efficacy of duloxetine delayed-release was established in four short-term and one maintenance trial in adults [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].
A major depressive episode (DSM-IV) implies a prominent and relatively persistent (nearly every day for at least 2 weeks) depressed or dysphoric mood that usually interferes with daily functioning, and includes at least 5 of the following 9 symptoms: depressed mood, loss of interest in usual activities, significant change in weight and/or appetite, insomnia or hypersomnia, psychomotor agitation or retardation, increased fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, slowed thinking or impaired concentration, or a suicide attempt or suicidal ideation.
Duloxetine delayed-release capsules, USP are indicated for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The efficacy of duloxetine delayed-release was established in three short-term trials and one maintenance trial in adults [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].
Generalized anxiety disorder is defined by the DSM-IV as excessive anxiety and worry, present more days than not, for at least 6 months. The excessive anxiety and worry must be difficult to control and must cause significant distress or impairment in normal functioning. It must be associated with at least 3 of the following 6 symptoms: restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge, being easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating or mind going blank, irritability, muscle tension, and/or sleep disturbance.
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain
Duloxetine delayed-release capsules, USP are indicated for the management of neuropathic pain (DPNP) associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy [see Clinical Studies (14.3)].
Duloxetine delayed-release capsules, USP are indicated for the management of fibromyalgia (FM) [see Clinical Studies (14.4)].
Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain
Duloxetine delayed-release capsules, USP are indicated for the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain. This has been established in studies in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and chronic pain due to osteoarthritis [see Clinical Studies (14.5)].
Duloxetine delayed-release should be swallowed whole and should not be chewed or crushed, nor should the capsule be opened and its contents sprinkled on food or mixed with liquids. All of these might affect the enteric coating. Duloxetine delayed-release can be given without regard to meals.
Initial Treatment
Major Depressive Disorder - Duloxetine delayed-release should be administered at a total dose of 40 mg/day (given as 20 mg twice daily) to 60 mg/day (given either once daily or as 30 mg twice daily). For some patients, it may be desirable to start at 30 mg once daily for 1 week, to allow patients to adjust to the medication before increasing to 60 mg once daily. While a 120 mg/day dose was shown to be effective, there is no evidence that doses greater than 60 mg/day confer any additional benefits. The safety of doses above 120 mg/day has not been adequately evaluated [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].
Generalized Anxiety Disorder - For most patients, the recommended starting dose for duloxetine delayed-release is 60 mg administered once daily. For some patients, it may be desirable to start at 30 mg once daily for 1 week, to allow patients to adjust to the medication before increasing to 60 mg once daily. While a 120 mg once daily dose was shown to be effective, there is no evidence that doses greater than 60 mg/day confer additional benefit. Nevertheless, if a decision is made to increase the dose beyond 60 mg once daily, dose increases should be in increments of 30 mg once daily. The safety of doses above 120 mg once daily has not been adequately evaluated [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain - The recommended dose for duloxetine delayed-release is 60 mg administered once daily. There is no evidence that doses higher than 60 mg confer additional significant benefit and the higher dose is clearly less well tolerated [see Clinical Studies (14.3)]. For patients for whom tolerability is a concern, a lower starting dose may be considered.
Since diabetes is frequently complicated by renal disease, a lower starting dose and gradual increase in dose should be considered for patients with renal impairment [see Dosage and Administration (2.3), Use in Specific Populations (8.10), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Fibromyalgia - The recommended dose for duloxetine delayed-release is 60 mg administered once daily. Treatment should begin at 30 mg once daily for 1 week, to allow patients to adjust to the medication before increasing to 60 mg once daily. Some patients may respond to the starting dose. There is no evidence that doses greater than 60 mg/day confer additional benefit, even in patients who do not respond to a 60 mg dose, and higher doses are associated with a higher rate of adverse reactions [see Clinical Studies (14.4)].
Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain - The recommended dose for duloxetine delayed-release is 60 mg once daily. Dosing may be started at 30 mg for one week, to allow patients to adjust to the medication before increasing to 60 mg once daily. There is no evidence that higher doses confer additional benefit, even in patients who do not respond to a 60 mg dose, and higher doses are associated with a higher rate of adverse reactions [see Clinical Studies (14.5)].
Maintenance/Continuation/Extended Treatment
Major Depressive Disorder - It is generally agreed that acute episodes of major depression require several months or longer of sustained pharmacologic therapy. Maintenance of efficacy in MDD was demonstrated with duloxetine delayed-release as monotherapy. Duloxetine delayed-release should be administered at a total dose of 60 mg once daily. Patients should be periodically reassessed to determine the need for maintenance treatment and the appropriate dose for such treatment [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].
Generalized Anxiety Disorder - It is generally agreed that episodes of generalized anxiety disorder require several months or longer of sustained pharmacological therapy. Maintenance of efficacy in GAD was demonstrated with duloxetine delayed-release as monotherapy. Duloxetine delayed-release should be administered in a dose range of 60 to 120 mg once daily. Patients should be periodically reassessed to determine the continued need for maintenance treatment and the appropriate dose for such treatment [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain - As the progression of diabetic peripheral neuropathy is highly variable and management of pain is empirical, the effectiveness of duloxetine delayed-release must be assessed individually. Efficacy beyond 12 weeks has not been systematically studied in placebo- controlled trials.
Fibromyalgia - Fibromyalgia is recognized as a chronic condition. The efficacy of duloxetine delayed- release in the management of fibromyalgia has been demonstrated in placebo-controlled studies up to 3 months. The efficacy of duloxetine delayed-release was not demonstrated in longer studies; however, continued treatment should be based on individual patient response.
Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain - The efficacy of duloxetine delayed-release has not been established in placebo-controlled studies beyond 13 weeks.
Dosing in Special Populations
Hepatic Insufficiency - It is recommended that duloxetine delayed-release should ordinarily not be administered to patients with any hepatic insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14) and Use in Specific Populations (8.9)].
Severe Renal Impairment - Duloxetine delayed-release is not recommended for patients with end-stage renal disease or severe renal impairment (estimated creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14) and Use in Specific Populations (8.10)].
Elderly Patients - No dose adjustment is recommended for elderly patients on the basis of age. As with any drug, caution should be exercised in treating the elderly. When individualizing the dosage in elderly patients, extra care should be taken when increasing the dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].
Pregnant Women - There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women; therefore, duloxetine delayed-release should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
Nursing Mothers - Because the safety of duloxetine in infants is not known, nursing while on duloxetine delayed-release is not recommended [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)].
Discontinuing Duloxetine Delayed-Release
Symptoms associated with discontinuation of duloxetine delayed-release and other SSRIs and SNRIs have been reported. A gradual reduction in the dose rather than abrupt cessation is recommended whenever possible [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].
Switching a Patient To or From a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) Intended to Treat Psychiatric Disorders
At least 14 days should elapse between discontinuation of an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders and initiation of therapy with duloxetine delayed-release. Conversely, at least 5 days should be allowed after stopping duloxetine delayed-release before starting an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders [see Contraindications (4.1)].
Use of Duloxetine Delayed-Release with Other MAOIs such as Linezolid or Methylene Blue
Do not start duloxetine delayed-release in a patient who is being treated with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue because there is an increased risk of serotonin syndrome. In a patient who requires more urgent treatment of a psychiatric condition, other interventions, including hospitalization, should be considered [see Contraindications (4.1)].
In some cases, a patient already receiving duloxetine delayed-release therapy may require urgent treatment with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue. If acceptable alternatives to linezolid or intravenous methylene blue treatment are not available and the potential benefits of linezolid or intravenous methylene blue treatment are judged to outweigh the risks of serotonin syndrome in a particular patient, duloxetine delayed-release should be stopped promptly, and linezolid or intravenous methylene blue can be administered. The patient should be monitored for symptoms of serotonin syndrome for 5 days or until 24 hours after the last dose of linezolid or intravenous methylene blue, whichever comes first. Therapy with duloxetine delayed-release may be resumed 24 hours after the last dose of linezolid or intravenous methylene blue [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
The risk of administering methylene blue by non-intravenous routes (such as oral tablets or by local injection) or in intravenous doses much lower than 1 mg/kg with duloxetine delayed-release is unclear. The clinician should, nevertheless, be aware of the possibility of emergent symptoms of serotonin syndrome with such use [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Duloxetine hydrochloride, USP is available as delayed-release capsules:
20 mg opaque blue capsules imprinted with " 2890"
30 mg opaque gray and blue capsules imprinted with " 2891"
60 mg opaque gray and white capsules imprinted with " 2892"
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
The use of MAOIs intended to treat psychiatric disorders with duloxetine delayed-release or within 5 days of stopping treatment with duloxetine delayed-release is contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome. The use of duloxetine delayed-release within 14 days of stopping an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders is also contraindicated [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) and Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Starting duloxetine delayed-release 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 (2.6) and Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Adolescents and Young Adults
Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), both adult and pediatric, may experience worsening of their depression and/or the emergence of suicidal ideation and behavior (suicidality) or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking antidepressant medications, and this risk may persist until significant remission occurs. Suicide is a known risk of depression and certain other psychiatric disorders, and these disorders themselves are the strongest predictors of suicide. There has been a long- standing concern, however, that antidepressants may have a role in inducing worsening of depression and the emergence of suicidality in certain patients during the early phases of treatment.
Pooled analyses of short-term placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant drugs (SSRIs and others) showed that these drugs increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 18 to 24) with major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24; there was a reduction with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older.
The pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials in children and adolescents with MDD, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or other psychiatric disorders included a total of 24 short-term trials of 9 antidepressant drugs in over 4400 patients. The pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials in adults with MDD or other psychiatric disorders included a total of 295 short-term trials (median duration of 2 months) of 11 antidepressant drugs in over 77,000 patients. There was considerable variation in risk of suicidality among drugs, but a tendency toward an increase in the younger patients for almost all drugs studied. There were differences in absolute risk of suicidality across the different indications, with the highest incidence in MDD. The risk of differences (drug vs placebo), however, were relatively stable within age strata and across indications. These risk differences (drug-placebo difference in the number of cases of suicidality per 1000 patients treated) are provided in Table 1.
Drug-Placebo Difference in Number of Cases of Suicidality per 1000 Patients Treated
Increases Compared to Placebo
< 18 14 additional cases
18 to 24 5 additional cases Decreases Compared to Placebo
25 to 64 1 fewer case
≥ 65 6 fewer cases
No suicides occurred in any of the pediatric trials. There were suicides in the adult trials, but the number was not sufficient to reach any conclusion about drug effect on suicide.
It is unknown whether the suicidality risk extends to longer-term use, i.e., beyond several months. However, there is substantial evidence from placebo-controlled maintenance trials in adults with depression that the use of antidepressants can delay the recurrence of depression.
All patients being treated with antidepressants for any indication should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, and unusual changes in behavior, especially during the initial few months of a course of drug therapy, or at times of dose changes, either increases or decreases.
The following symptoms, anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity, akathisia (psychomotor restlessness), hypomania, and mania, have been reported in adult and pediatric patients being treated with antidepressants for major depressive disorder as well as for other indications, both psychiatric and nonpsychiatric. Although a causal link between the emergence of such symptoms and either the worsening of depression and/or the emergence of suicidal impulses has not been established, there is concern that such symptoms may represent precursors to emerging suicidality.
Consideration should be given to changing the therapeutic regimen, including possibly discontinuing the medication, in patients whose depression is persistently worse, or who are experiencing emergent suicidality or symptoms that might be precursors to worsening depression or suicidality, especially if these symptoms are severe, abrupt in onset, or were not part of the patient's presenting symptoms.
If the decision has been made to discontinue treatment, medication should be tapered, as rapidly as is feasible, but with recognition that discontinuation can be associated with certain symptoms [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.7) for descriptions of the risks of discontinuation of Duloxetine Delayed-Release].
Families and caregivers of patients being treated with antidepressants for major depressive disorder or other indications, both psychiatric and nonpsychiatric, should be alerted about the need to monitor patients for the emergence of agitation, irritability, unusual changes in behavior, and the other symptoms described above, as well as the emergence of suicidality, and to report such symptoms immediately to health care providers. Such monitoring should include daily observation by families and caregivers. Prescriptions for duloxetine delayed-release should be written for the smallest quantity of capsules consistent with good patient management, in order to reduce the risk of overdose.
Screening Patients for Bipolar Disorder - A major depressive episode may be the initial presentation of bipolar disorder. It is generally believed (though not established in controlled trials) that treating such an episode with an antidepressant alone may increase the likelihood of precipitation of a mixed/manic episode in patients at risk for bipolar disorder. Whether any of the symptoms described above represent such a conversion is unknown. However, prior to initiating treatment with an antidepressant, patients with depressive symptoms should be adequately screened to determine if they are at risk for bipolar disorder; such screening should include a detailed psychiatric history, including a family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, and depression. It should be noted that duloxetine delayed-release is not approved for use in treating bipolar depression.
There have been reports of hepatic failure, sometimes fatal, in patients treated with duloxetine delayed- release. These cases have presented as hepatitis with abdominal pain, hepatomegaly, and elevation of transaminase levels to more than twenty times the upper limit of normal with or without jaundice, reflecting a mixed or hepatocellular pattern of liver injury. Duloxetine delayed-release should be discontinued in patients who develop jaundice or other evidence of clinically significant liver dysfunction and should not be resumed unless another cause can be established.
Cases of cholestatic jaundice with minimal elevation of transaminase levels have also been reported. Other postmarketing reports indicate that elevated transaminases, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase have occurred in patients with chronic liver disease or cirrhosis.
Duloxetine delayed-release increased the risk of elevation of serum transaminase levels in development program clinical trials. Liver transaminase elevations resulted in the discontinuation of 0.3% (89/29,435) of duloxetine delayed-release-treated patients. In most patients, the median time to detection of the transaminase elevation was about two months. In placebo-controlled trials in any indication, for patients with normal and abnormal baseline ALT values, elevation of ALT > 3 times the upper limit of normal occurred in 1.37% (132/9611) of duloxetine delayed-release-treated patients compared to 0.49% (35/7182) of placebo-treated patients. In placebo-controlled studies using a fixed dose design, there was evidence of a dose response relationship for ALT and AST elevation of > 3 times the upper limit of normal and > 5 times the upper limit of normal, respectively.
Because it is possible that duloxetine and alcohol may interact to cause liver injury or that duloxetine may aggravate pre-existing liver disease, duloxetine delayed-release should not be prescribed to patients with substantial alcohol use or evidence of chronic liver disease.
Orthostatic Hypotension and Syncope
Orthostatic hypotension and syncope have been reported with therapeutic doses of duloxetine. Syncope and orthostatic hypotension tend to occur within the first week of therapy but can occur at any time during duloxetine treatment, particularly after dose increases. The risk of blood pressure decreases may be greater in patients taking concomitant medications that induce orthostatic hypotension (such as antihypertensives) or are potent CYP1A2 inhibitors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) and Drug Interactions (7.1)] and in patients taking duloxetine at doses above 60 mg daily. Consideration should be given to discontinuing duloxetine in patients who experience symptomatic orthostatic hypotension and/or syncope during duloxetine therapy.
The development of a potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome has been reported with SNRIs and SSRIs, including duloxetine delayed-release, alone but particularly with concomitant use of other serotonergic drugs (including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, buspirone, and St. John's Wort) and with drugs that impair metabolism of serotonin (in particular, MAOIs, both those intended to treat psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid and intravenous methylene blue).
Serotonin syndrome symptoms may include mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, delirium, and coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, dizziness, diaphoresis, flushing, hyperthermia), neuromuscular symptoms (e.g., tremor, rigidity, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, incoordination), seizures, and/or gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Patients should be monitored for the emergence of serotonin syndrome.
The concomitant use of duloxetine delayed-release with MAOIs intended to treat psychiatric disorders is contraindicated. Duloxetine delayed-release should also not be started in a patient who is being treated with MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue. All reports with methylene blue that provided information on the route of administration involved intravenous administration in the dose range of 1 mg/kg to 8 mg/kg. No reports involved the administration of methylene blue by other routes (such as oral tablets or local tissue injection) or at lower doses. There may be circumstances when it is necessary to initiate treatment with an MAOI such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue in a patient taking duloxetine delayed-release. Duloxetine delayed-release should be discontinued before initiating treatment with the MAOI [see Dosage and Administration (2.5, 2.6), and Contraindications (4.1)].
If concomitant use of duloxetine delayed-release with other serotonergic drugs including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, buspirone, tryptophan and St. John's Wort is clinically warranted, patients should be made aware of a potential increased risk for serotonin syndrome, particularly during treatment initiation and dose increases. Treatment with duloxetine delayed-release and any concomitant serotonergic agents, should be discontinued immediately if the above events occur and supportive symptomatic treatment should be initiated.
SSRIs and SNRIs, including duloxetine, may increase the risk of bleeding events. Concomitant use of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, warfarin, and other anti-coagulants may add to this risk. Case reports and epidemiological studies (case-control and cohort design) have demonstrated an association between use of drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake and the occurrence of gastrointestinal bleeding. Bleeding events related to SSRIs and SNRIs use have ranged from ecchymoses, hematomas, epistaxis, and petechiae to life-threatening hemorrhages.
Patients should be cautioned about the risk of bleeding associated with the concomitant use of duloxetine and NSAIDs, aspirin, or other drugs that affect coagulation.
Severe Skin Reactions
Severe skin reactions, including erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), can occur with duloxetine delayed-release. The reporting rate of SJS associated with duloxetine delayed-release use exceeds the general population background incidence rate for this serious skin reaction (1 to 2 cases per million person years). The reporting rate is generally accepted to be an underestimate due to underreporting.
Duloxetine delayed-release should be discontinued at the first appearance of blisters, peeling rash, mucosal erosions, or any other sign of hypersensitivity if no other etiology can be identified.
Discontinuation of Treatment with Duloxetine Delayed-Release
Discontinuation symptoms have been systematically evaluated in patients taking duloxetine. Following abrupt or tapered discontinuation in placebo-controlled clinical trials, the following symptoms occurred at 1% or greater and at a significantly higher rate in duloxetine-treated patients compared to those discontinuing from placebo: dizziness, headache, nausea, diarrhea, paresthesia, irritability, vomiting, insomnia, anxiety, hyperhidrosis, and fatigue.
During marketing of other SSRIs and SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), there have been spontaneous reports of adverse events occurring upon discontinuation of these drugs, particularly when abrupt, including the following: dysphoric mood, irritability, agitation, dizziness, sensory disturbances (e.g., paresthesias such as electric shock sensations), anxiety, confusion, headache, lethargy, emotional lability, insomnia, hypomania, tinnitus, and seizures. Although these events are generally self-limiting, some have been reported to be severe.
Patients should be monitored for these symptoms when discontinuing treatment with duloxetine delayed-release. A gradual reduction in the dose rather than abrupt cessation is recommended whenever possible. If intolerable symptoms occur following a decrease in the dose or upon discontinuation of treatment, then resuming the previously prescribed dose may be considered. Subsequently, the physician may continue decreasing the dose but at a more gradual rate [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)].
Activation of Mania/Hypomania
In placebo-controlled trials in patients with major depressive disorder, activation of mania or hypomania was reported in 0.1% (2/2489) of duloxetine-treated patients and 0.1% (1/1625) of placebo-treated patients. No activation of mania or hypomania was reported in GAD, fibromyalgia, or chronic musculoskeletal pain placebo-controlled trials. Activation of mania or hypomania has been reported in a small proportion of patients with mood disorders who were treated with other marketed drugs effective in the treatment of major depressive disorder. As with these other agents, duloxetine delayed-release should be used cautiously in patients with a history of mania.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Angle-Closure Glaucoma - The pupillary dilation that occurs following use of many antidepressant drugs including duloxetine delayed-release may trigger an angle closure attack in a patient with anatomically narrow angles who does not have a patent iridectomy.
Duloxetine has not been systematically evaluated in patients with a seizure disorder, and such patients were excluded from clinical studies. In placebo-controlled clinical trials, seizures/convulsions occurred in 0.03% (3/10,524) of patients treated with duloxetine and 0.01% (1/7699) of patients treated with placebo. Duloxetine delayed-release should be prescribed with care in patients with a history of a seizure disorder.
Effect on Blood Pressure
In placebo-controlled clinical trials across indications from baseline to endpoint, duloxetine treatment was associated with mean increases of 0.5 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure and 0.8 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure compared to mean decreases of 0.6 mm Hg systolic and 0.4 mm Hg diastolic in placebo- treated patients. There was no significant difference in the frequency of sustained (3 consecutive visits) elevated blood pressure. In a clinical pharmacology study designed to evaluate the effects of duloxetine on various parameters, including blood pressure at supratherapeutic doses with an accelerated dose titration, there was evidence of increases in supine blood pressure at doses up to 200 mg twice daily. At the highest 200 mg twice daily dose, the increase in mean pulse rate was 5.0 to 6.8 beats and increases in mean blood pressure were 4.7 to 6.8 mm Hg (systolic) and 4.5 to 7 mm Hg (diastolic) up to 12 hours after dosing. Blood pressure should be measured prior to initiating treatment and periodically measured throughout treatment [see Adverse Reactions (6.7)].
Clinically Important Drug Interactions
Both CYP1A2 and CYP2D6 are responsible for duloxetine metabolism.
Potential for Other Drugs to Affect Duloxetine Delayed-Release
CYP1A2 Inhibitors - Coadministration of duloxetine delayed-release with potent CYP1A2 inhibitors should be avoided [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].
CYP2D6 Inhibitors - Because CYP2D6 is involved in duloxetine metabolism, concomitant use of duloxetine with potent inhibitors of CYP2D6 would be expected to, and does, result in higher concentrations (on average of 60%) of duloxetine [see Drug Interactions (7.2)].
Potential for Duloxetine Delayed-Release to Affect Other Drugs
Drugs Metabolized by CYP2D6 - Coadministration of duloxetine delayed-release with drugs that are extensively metabolized by CYP2D6 and that have a narrow therapeutic index, including certain antidepressants (tricyclic antidepressants [TCAs], such as nortriptyline, amitriptyline, and imipramine), phenothiazines and Type 1C antiarrhythmics (e.g., propafenone, flecainide), should be approached with caution. Plasma TCA concentrations may need to be monitored and the dose of the TCA may need to be reduced if a TCA is coadministered with duloxetine delayed-release. Because of the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death potentially associated with elevated plasma levels of thioridazine, duloxetine delayed-release and thioridazine should not be coadministered [see Drug Interactions (7.9)].
Other Clinically Important Drug Interactions
Alcohol - Use of duloxetine delayed-release concomitantly with heavy alcohol intake may be associated with severe liver injury. For this reason, duloxetine delayed-release should not be prescribed for patients with substantial alcohol use [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Drug Interactions (7.15)].
CNS Acting Drugs - Given the primary CNS effects of duloxetine delayed-release, it should be used with caution when it is taken in combination with or substituted for other centrally acting drugs, including those with a similar mechanism of action [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) and Drug Interactions (7.16)].
Hyponatremia may occur as a result of treatment with SSRIs and SNRIs, including duloxetine delayed- release. In many cases, this hyponatremia appears to be the result of the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). Cases with serum sodium lower than 110 mmol/L have been reported and appeared to be reversible when duloxetine delayed-release was discontinued. Elderly patients may be at greater risk of developing hyponatremia with SSRIs and SNRIs. Also, patients taking diuretics or who are otherwise volume depleted may be at greater risk [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)]. Discontinuation of duloxetine delayed-release should be considered in patients with symptomatic hyponatremia and appropriate medical intervention should be instituted.
Signs and symptoms of hyponatremia include headache, difficulty concentrating, memory impairment, confusion, weakness, and unsteadiness, which may lead to falls. More severe and/or acute cases have been associated with hallucination, syncope, seizure, coma, respiratory arrest, and death.
Use in Patients with Concomitant Illness
Clinical experience with duloxetine delayed-release in patients with concomitant systemic illnesses is limited. There is no information on the effect that alterations in gastric motility may have on the stability of duloxetine delayed-release's enteric coating. In extremely acidic conditions, duloxetine delayed- release, unprotected by the enteric coating, may undergo hydrolysis to form naphthol. Caution is advised in using duloxetine delayed-release in patients with conditions that may slow gastric emptying (e.g., some diabetics).
Duloxetine delayed-release has not been systematically evaluated in patients with a recent history of myocardial infarction or unstable coronary artery disease. Patients with these diagnoses were generally excluded from clinical studies during the product's premarketing testing.
Hepatic Insufficiency - Duloxetine delayed-release should ordinarily not be used in patients with hepatic insufficiency [see Dosage and Administration (2.3), Warnings and Precautions (5.2), and Use in Specific Populations (8.9)].
Severe Renal Impairment - Duloxetine delayed-release should ordinarily not be used in patients with end-stage renal disease or severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min). Increased plasma concentration of duloxetine, and especially of its metabolites, occur in patients with end-stage renal disease (requiring dialysis) [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Use in Specific Populations (8.10)].
Glycemic Control in Patients with Diabetes - As observed in DPNP trials, duloxetine delayed-release treatment worsens glycemic control in some patients with diabetes. In three clinical trials of duloxetine delayed-release for the management of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, the mean duration of diabetes was approximately 12 years, the mean baseline fasting blood glucose was 176 mg/dL, and the mean baseline hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was 7.8%. In the 12-week acute treatment phase of these studies, duloxetine delayed-release was associated with a small increase in mean fasting blood glucose as compared to placebo. In the extension phase of these studies, which lasted up to 52 weeks, mean fasting blood glucose increased by 12 mg/dL in the duloxetine delayed-release group and decreased by 11.5 mg/dL in the routine care group. HbA1c increased by 0.5% in the duloxetine delayed- release and by 0.2% in the routine care groups.
Urinary Hesitation and Retention
Duloxetine delayed-release is in a class of drugs known to affect urethral resistance. If symptoms of urinary hesitation develop during treatment with duloxetine delayed-release, consideration should be given to the possibility that they might be drug-related.
In postmarketing experience, cases of urinary retention have been observed. In some instances of urinary retention associated with duloxetine use, hospitalization and/or catheterization has been needed.
No specific laboratory tests are recommended.
Clinical Trial Data Sources
The data described below reflect exposure to duloxetine in placebo-controlled trials for MDD (N=2489), GAD (N=910), OA (N=239), CLBP (N=600), DPNP (N=906), and FM (N=876). The population studied was 17 to 91 years of age; 65.5%, 62.5%, 61.5%, 42.9%, and 94.9% female; and 86.5%, 81.2%, 86.2 %, 74.0%, and 88% Caucasian for MDD, GAD, OA, and CLBP, DPNP and FM, respectively. Most patients received doses of a total of 60 to 120 mg per day [see Clinical Studies (14)].
The stated frequencies of adverse reactions represent the proportion of individuals who experienced, at least once, a treatment-emergent adverse reaction of the type listed. A reaction was considered treatment-emergent if it occurred for the first time or worsened while receiving therapy following baseline evaluation. Reactions reported during the studies were not necessarily caused by the therapy, and the frequencies do not reflect investigator impression (assessment) of causality.
Adverse Reactions Reported as Reasons for Discontinuation of Treatment in Placebo- Controlled Trials
Major Depressive Disorder - Approximately 9% (209/2327) of the patients who received duloxetine in placebo-controlled trials for MDD discontinued treatment due to an adverse reaction, compared with 4.7% (68/1460) of the patients receiving placebo. Nausea (duloxetine 1.3%, placebo 0.5%) was the only common adverse reaction reported as a reason for discontinuation and considered to be drug-related (i.e., discontinuation occurring in at least 1% of the duloxetine-treated patients and at a rate of at least twice that of placebo).
Generalized Anxiety Disorder - Approximately 15.3% (102/668) of the patients who received duloxetine in placebo-controlled trials for GAD discontinued treatment due to an adverse reaction, compared with 4.0% (20/495) for placebo. Common adverse reactions reported as a reason for discontinuation and considered to be drug-related (as defined above) included nausea (duloxetine 3.7%, placebo 0.2%), and vomiting (duloxetine 1.3%, placebo 0.0%), and dizziness (duloxetine 1.0%, placebo 0.2%).
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain - Approximately 12.9% (117/906) of the patients who received duloxetine in placebo-controlled trials for DPNP discontinued treatment due to an adverse reaction, compared with 5.1% (23/448) for placebo. Common adverse reactions reported as a reason for discontinuation and considered to be drug-related (as defined above) included nausea (duloxetine 3.5%, placebo 0.7%), dizziness (duloxetine 1.2%, placebo 0.4%), and somnolence (duloxetine 1.1%, placebo 0.0%).
Fibromyalgia - Approximately 19.6% (172/876) of the patients who received duloxetine in 3 to 6 month placebo-controlled trials for FM discontinued treatment due to an adverse reaction, compared with 11.8% (63/535) for placebo. Common adverse reactions reported as a reason for discontinuation and considered to be drug-related (as defined above) included nausea (duloxetine 1.9%, placebo 0.7%), somnolence (duloxetine 1.5%, placebo 0.0%), and fatigue (duloxetine 1.3%, placebo 0.2%).
Chronic Pain due to Osteoarthritis - Approximately 16.3% (39/239) of the patients who received duloxetine in 13-week, placebo-controlled trials for chronic pain due to OA discontinued treatment due to an adverse reaction, compared with 5.6% (14/248) for placebo. Common adverse reactions reported as a reason for discontinuation and considered to be drug-related (as defined above) included nausea (duloxetine 2.9%, placebo 0.8%) and asthenia (duloxetine 1.3%, placebo 0.0%).
Chronic Low Back Pain - Approximately 16.5% (99/600) of the patients who received duloxetine in 13- week, placebo-controlled trials for CLBP discontinued treatment due to an adverse reaction, compared with 6.3% (28/441) for placebo. Common adverse reactions reported as a reason for discontinuation and considered to be drug-related (as defined above) included nausea (duloxetine 3.0%, placebo 0.7%), and somnolence (duloxetine 1.0%, placebo 0.0%).
Most Common Adverse Reactions
Pooled Trials for all Approved Indications - The most commonly observed adverse reactions in duloxetine delayed-release-treated patients (incidence of at least 5% and at least twice the incidence in placebo patients) were nausea, dry mouth, somnolence, constipation, decreased appetite, and hyperhidrosis.
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain - The most commonly observed adverse reactions in duloxetine delayed-release-treated patients (as defined above) were nausea, somnolence, decreased appetite, constipation, hyperhidrosis, and dry mouth.
Fibromyalgia - The most commonly observed adverse reactions in duloxetine delayed-release-treated patients (as defined above) were nausea, dry mouth, constipation, somnolence, decreased appetite, hyperhidrosis, and agitation.
Chronic Pain due to Osteoarthritis - The most commonly observed adverse reactions in duloxetine delayed-release-treated patients (as defined above) were nausea, fatigue, and constipation.
Chronic Low Back Pain - The most commonly observed adverse reactions in duloxetine delayed- release-treated patients (as defined above) were nausea, dry mouth, insomnia, somnolence, constipation, dizziness, and fatigue.
Adverse Reactions Occurring at an Incidence of 5% or More Among Duloxetine-Treated Patients in Placebo-Controlled Trials
Table 2 gives the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse reactions in placebo-controlled trials for approved indications that occurred in 5% or more of patients treated with duloxetine and with an incidence greater than placebo.
Table 2: Treatment-Emergent Adverse Reactions: Incidence of 5% or More in Placebo-Controlled Trials of Approved Indicationsa
Percentage of Patients Reporting Reaction
Adverse Reaction
Duloxetine Delayed-Release (N=6020)
Placebo (N=3962)
Nausea 24 8
Headache 14 13
Dry mouth 13 5
Fatigueb 10 5
Somnolencec,e 10 3
Insomniac,d 10 6
Dizziness 10 5
Constipationc 10 4
Diarrhea 9 6
Decreased appetitec,f 8 2
Hyperhidrosis 7 2
a The inclusion of an event in the table is determined based on the percentages before rounding; however, the percentages displayed in the table are rounded to the nearest integer.
b Also includes asthenia.
c Events for which there was a significant dose-dependent relationship in fixed-dose studies, excluding three MDD studies which did not have a placebo lead-in period or dose titration.
d Also includes middle insomnia, early morning awakening, and initial insomnia.
e Also includes hypersomnia and sedation.
f Also includes anorexia.
Pooled MDD and GAD Trials - Table 3 gives the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse reactions in MDD and GAD placebo-controlled trials for approved indications that occurred in 2% or more of patients treated with duloxetine and with an incidence greater than placebo.
Table 3: Treatment-Emergent Adverse Reactions: Incidence of 2% or More in MDD and GAD Placebo-Controlled Trialsa
System Organ Class / Adverse Reaction
Palpitations 2 2
Vision blurred 3 2
Diarrhea 10 7
Constipationb 10 4
Abdominal painc 4 4
Vomiting 5 2
General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions 10 6
Weight decreasedb 2 < 1
Decreased appetitee 7 2
Somnolencef 10 4
Tremor 3 < 1
Insomniag 10 6
Agitationh 5 3
Anxiety 3 2
Libido decreasedi 4 1
Orgasm abnormalb,j 3 < 1
Abnormal dreamsk 2 < 1
Reproductive System and Breast Disorders
Erectile dysfunctionl 4 1
Ejaculation delayedb,l 3 < 1
Ejaculation disorder1,m 2 < 1
Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal Disorders
Yawning 2 < 1
Hot flush 2 < 1
b Events for which there was a significant dose-dependent relationship in fixed-dose studies, excluding three MDD studies which did not have a placebo lead-in period or dose titration.
c Also includes abdominal pain upper, abdominal pain lower, abdominal tenderness, abdominal discomfort, and gastrointestinal pain
d Also includes asthenia
e Also includes anorexia
f Also includes hypersomnia and sedation
g Also includes middle insomnia, early morning awakening and initial insomnia
h Also includes feeling jittery, nervousness, restlessness, tension and psychomotor agitation
i Also includes loss of libido
j Also includes anorgasmia
k Also includes nightmare
l Male patients only
m Also includes ejaculation failure and ejaculation dysfunction
DPNP, FM, OA, and CLBP - Table 4 gives the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events that occurred in 2% or more of patients treated with duloxetine delayed-release (determined prior to rounding) in the premarketing acute phase of DPNP, FM, OA, and CLBP placebo-controlled trials and with an incidence greater than placebo.
Table 4: Treatment-Emergent Adverse Reactions: Incidence of 2% or More in DPNP, FM, OA, and CLBP Placebo- Controlled Trialsa
Dry Mouthb 11 3
Dyspepsia d 2 1
Infections and Infestations
Nasopharyngitis 5 4
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection 4 4
Influenza 3 2
Decreased Appetiteb,f 9 1
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue
Musculoskeletal Painb,g 4 4
Muscle Spasms 3 2
Headache 13 9
Somnolenceb,h 12 3
Paraesthesiai 2 2
Tremorb 2 < 1
Insomniab,j 10 6
Agitationk 3 < 1
Erectile Dysfunctionb,l 4 < 1
Ejaculation Disorderm 2 < 1
Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal
Cough 3 2
Oropharyngeal Painb 2 2
Flushingn 3 1
b Incidence of 120 mg/day is significantly greater than the incidence for 60 mg/day.
c Also includes abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain lower, abdominal pain upper, abdominal tenderness and gastrointestinal pain
d Also includes stomach discomfort
e Also includes asthenia
f Also includes anorexia
g Also includes myalgia and neck pain
h Also includes hypersomnia and sedation
i Also includes hypoaesthesia, hypoaesthesia facial and paraesthesia oral
j Also includes middle insomnia, early morning awakening and initial insomnia
k Also includes feeling jittery, nervousness, restlessness, tension and psychomotor hyperactivity
l Male patients only (N=885 for duloxetine, 494 for placebo)
m Male patients only (N=885 for duloxetine, 494 for placebo). Also includes ejaculation failure
n Also includes hot flush
Effects on Male and Female Sexual Function
Changes in sexual desire, sexual performance and sexual satisfaction often occur as manifestations of psychiatric disorders or diabetes, but they may also be a consequence of pharmacologic treatment. Because adverse sexual reactions are presumed to be voluntarily underreported, the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX), a validated measure designed to identify sexual side effects, was used prospectively in 4 MDD placebo-controlled trials. In these trials, as shown in Table 5 below, patients treated with duloxetine delayed-release experienced significantly more sexual dysfunction, as measured by the total score on the ASEX, than did patients treated with placebo. Gender analysis showed that this difference occurred only in males. Males treated with duloxetine delayed-release experienced more difficulty with ability to reach orgasm (ASEX Item 4) than males treated with placebo. Females did not experience more sexual dysfunction on duloxetine delayed-release than on placebo as measured by ASEX total score. Negative numbers signify an improvement from a baseline level of dysfunction, which is commonly seen in depressed patients. Physicians should routinely inquire about possible sexual side effects.
Table 5: Mean Change in ASEX Scores by Gender in MDD Placebo-Controlled Trials
Male Patientsa
Female Patientsa
Duloxetine Delayed-Release (n=175)
Placebo (n=83)
Placebo (n=126)
ASEX Total (Items 1 to 5) 0.56b -1.07 -1.15 -1.07
Item 1 - Sex drive -0.07 -0.12 -0.32 -0.24
Item 2 - Arousal 0.01 -0.12 -0.32 -0.24
Item 3 - Ability to achieve erection 0.03 -0.25 -0.17 -0.18
Lubrication (women)
Item 4 - Ease of reaching orgasm 0.40c -0.24 -0.09 -0.13
Item 5 - Orgasm satisfaction 0.09 -0.13 -0.11 -0.17
a n=Number of patients with non-missing change score for ASEX total
b p=0.013 versus placebo
c p < 0.001 versus placebo
Vital Sign Changes
In placebo-controlled clinical trials across approved indications for change from baseline to endpoint, duloxetine treatment was associated with mean increases of 0.07 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure and 0.62 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure compared to mean decreases of 1.31 mm Hg systolic and 0.73 mm Hg diastolic in placebo-treated patients. There was no significant difference in the frequency of sustained (3 consecutive visits) elevated blood pressure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3 and 5.11)].
Duloxetine treatment, for up to 26 weeks in placebo-controlled trials across approved indications, typically caused a small increase in heart rate for change from baseline to endpoint compared to placebo of up to 1.40 beats per minute.
Weight Changes
In placebo-controlled clinical trials, MDD and GAD patients treated with duloxetine delayed-release for up to 10 weeks experienced a mean weight loss of approximately 0.5 kg, compared with a mean weight gain of approximately 0.2 kg in placebo-treated patients. In studies of DPNP, FM, OA, and CLBP, patients treated with duloxetine delayed-release for up to 26 weeks experienced a mean weight loss of approximately 0.6 kg compared with a mean weight gain of approximately 0.2 kg in placebo-treated patients. In one long-term fibromyalgia 60-week uncontrolled study, duloxetine patients had a mean weight increase of 0.7 kg. In one long-term CLBP 54-week study (13-week, placebo-controlled acute phase and 41-week, uncontrolled extension phase), duloxetine patients had a mean weight decrease of 0.6 kg in 13 weeks of acute phase compared to study entry, then a mean weight increase of 1.4 kg in 41 weeks of extension phase compared to end of acute phase.
Laboratory Changes
Duloxetine delayed-release treatment in placebo-controlled clinical trials across approved indications, was associated with small mean increases from baseline to endpoint in ALT, AST, CPK, and alkaline phosphatase; infrequent, modest, transient, abnormal values were observed for these analytes in duloxetine delayed-release-treated patients when compared with placebo-treated patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Electrocardiogram Changes
The effect of duloxetine 160 mg and 200 mg administered twice daily to steady state was evaluated in a randomized, double-blinded, two-way crossover study in 117 healthy female subjects. No QT interval prolongation was detected. Duloxetine appears to be associated with concentration-dependent but not clinically meaningful QT shortening.
Other Adverse Reactions Observed During the Premarketing and Postmarketing Clinical Trial Evaluation of Duloxetine
Following is a list of treatment-emergent adverse reactions reported by patients treated with duloxetine in clinical trials. In clinical trials of all indications, 29,435 patients were treated with duloxetine. Of these, 30.4% (8953) took duloxetine for at least 6 months, and 14.7% (4317) for at least one year. The following listing is not intended to include reactions (1) already listed in previous tables or elsewhere in labeling, (2) for which a drug cause was remote, (3) which were so general as to be uninformative, (4) which were not considered to have significant clinical implications, or (5) which occurred at a rate equal to or less than placebo.
Reactions are categorized by body system according to the following definitions: frequent adverse reactions are those occurring in at least 1/100 patients; infrequent adverse reactions are those occurring in 1/100 to 1/1000 patients; rare reactions are those occurring in fewer than 1/1000 patients.
Cardiac Disorders - Frequent: palpitations; Infrequent: myocardial infarction and tachycardia.
Ear and Labyrinth Disorders - Frequent: vertigo; Infrequent: ear pain and tinnitus.
Endocrine Disorders - Infrequent: hypothyroidism.
Eye Disorders - Frequent: vision blurred; Infrequent: diplopia, and visual disturbance.
Gastrointestinal Disorders - Frequent: flatulence; Infrequent: eructation, gastritis, halitosis, and stomatitis; Rare: gastric ulcer, hematochezia, and melena.
General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions - Frequent: chills/rigors; Infrequent: feeling abnormal, feeling hot and/or cold, malaise, and thirst; Rare: gait disturbance.
Infections and Infestations - Infrequent: gastroenteritis and laryngitis.
Investigations - Frequent: weight increased; Infrequent: blood cholesterol increased.
Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders - Infrequent: dehydration and hyperlipidemia; Rare: dyslipidemia.
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders - Frequent: musculoskeletal pain; Infrequent: muscle tightness and muscle twitching.
Nervous System Disorders - Frequent: dysgeusia, lethargy, and parasthesia/hypoesthesia; Infrequent: disturbance in attention, dyskinesia, myoclonus, and poor quality sleep; Rare: dysarthria.
Psychiatric Disorders - Frequent: abnormal dreams and sleep disorder; Infrequent: apathy, bruxism, disorientation/confusional state, irritability, mood swings, and suicide attempt; Rare: completed suicide.
Renal and Urinary Disorders - Infrequent: dysuria, micturition urgency, nocturia, polyuria, and urine odor abnormal.
Reproductive System and Breast Disorders - Frequent: anorgasmia/orgasm abnormal; Infrequent: menopausal symptoms, and sexual dysfunction.
Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders - Frequent: yawning; Infrequent: throat tightness.
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders - Infrequent: cold sweat, dermatitis contact, erythema, increased tendency to bruise, night sweats, and photosensitivity reaction; Rare: ecchymosis.
Vascular Disorders - Frequent: hot flush; Infrequent: flushing, orthostatic hypotension, and peripheral coldness.
Postmarketing Spontaneous Reports
The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of duloxetine delayed- release. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Adverse reactions reported since market introduction that were temporally related to duloxetine therapy and not mentioned elsewhere in labeling include: anaphylactic reaction, aggression and anger (particularly early in treatment or after treatment discontinuation), angioneurotic edema, angle-closure glaucoma, extrapyramidal disorder, galactorrhea, gynecological bleeding, hallucinations, hyperglycemia, hyperprolactinemia, hypersensitivity, hypertensive crisis, muscle spasm, rash, restless legs syndrome, seizures upon treatment discontinuation, supraventricular arrhythmia, tinnitus (upon treatment discontinuation), trismus, and urticaria.
Inhibitors of CYP1A2
When duloxetine 60 mg was coadministered with fluvoxamine 100 mg, a potent CYP1A2 inhibitor, to male subjects (n=14) duloxetine AUC was increased approximately 6-fold, the Cmax was increased about 2.5-fold, and duloxetine t1/2 was increased approximately 3-fold. Other drugs that inhibit CYP1A2 metabolism include cimetidine and quinolone antimicrobials such as ciprofloxacin and enoxacin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)].
Inhibitors of CYP2D6
Concomitant use of duloxetine (40 mg once daily) with paroxetine (20 mg once daily) increased the concentration of duloxetine AUC by about 60%, and greater degrees of inhibition are expected with higher doses of paroxetine. Similar effects would be expected with other potent CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine, quinidine) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)].
Dual Inhibition of CYP1A2 and CYP2D6
Concomitant administration of duloxetine 40 mg twice daily with fluvoxamine 100 mg, a potent CYP1A2 inhibitor, to CYP2D6 poor metabolizer subjects (n=14) resulted in a 6-fold increase in duloxetine AUC and Cmax.
Drugs that Interfere with Hemostasis (e.g., NSAIDs, Aspirin, and Warfarin)
Serotonin release by platelets plays an important role in hemostasis. Epidemiological studies of the case- control and cohort design that have demonstrated an association between use of psychotropic drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake and the occurrence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding have also shown that concurrent use of an NSAID or aspirin may potentiate this risk of bleeding. Altered anticoagulant effects, including increased bleeding, have been reported when SSRIs or SNRIs are coadministered with warfarin. Concomitant administration of warfarin (2 to 9 mg once daily) under steady state conditions with duloxetine 60 or 120 mg once daily for up to 14 days in healthy subjects (n=15) did not significantly change INR from baseline (mean INR changes ranged from 0.05 to +0.07). The total warfarin (protein bound plus free drug) pharmacokinetics (AUCτ,ss, Cmax,ss or tmax,ss) for both R- and S- warfarin were not altered by duloxetine. Because of the potential effect of duloxetine on platelets, patients receiving warfarin therapy should be carefully monitored when duloxetine is initiated or discontinued [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].
Under steady-state conditions for duloxetine (60 mg Q 12 hours) and lorazepam (2 mg Q 12 hours), the pharmacokinetics of duloxetine were not affected by coadministration.
Under steady-state conditions for duloxetine (20 mg qhs) and temazepam (30 mg qhs), the pharmacokinetics of duloxetine were not affected by coadministration.
Drugs that Affect Gastric Acidity
Duloxetine delayed-release has an enteric coating that resists dissolution until reaching a segment of the gastrointestinal tract where the pH exceeds 5.5. In extremely acidic conditions, duloxetine delayed- release, unprotected by the enteric coating, may undergo hydrolysis to form naphthol. Caution is advised in using duloxetine delayed-release in patients with conditions that may slow gastric emptying (e.g., some diabetics). Drugs that raise the gastrointestinal pH may lead to an earlier release of duloxetine. However, coadministration of duloxetine delayed-release with aluminum- and magnesium-containing antacids (51 mEq) or duloxetine delayed-release with famotidine, had no significant effect on the rate or extent of duloxetine absorption after administration of a 40 mg oral dose. It is unknown whether the concomitant administration of proton pump inhibitors affects duloxetine absorption [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14)].
Drugs Metabolized by CYP1A2
In vitro drug interaction studies demonstrate that duloxetine does not induce CYP1A2 activity. Therefore, an increase in the metabolism of CYP1A2 substrates (e.g., theophylline, caffeine) resulting from induction is not anticipated, although clinical studies of induction have not been performed.Duloxetine is an inhibitor of the CYP1A2 isoform in in vitro studies, and in two clinical studies the average (90% confidence interval) increase in theophylline AUC was 7% (1% to 15%) and 20% (13% to 27%) when coadministered with duloxetine (60 mg twice daily).
Drugs Metabolized by CYP2D6
Duloxetine is a moderate inhibitor of CYP2D6. When duloxetine was administered (at a dose of 60 mg twice daily) in conjunction with a single 50 mg dose of desipramine, a CYP2D6 substrate, the AUC of desipramine increased 3-fold [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)].
Drugs Metabolized by CYP2C9
Results of in vitro studies demonstrate that duloxetine does not inhibit activity. In a clinical study, the pharmacokinetics of S-warfarin, a CYP2C9 substrate, were not significantly affected by duloxetine [see Drug Interactions (7.4)].
Drugs Metabolized by CYP3A
Results of in vitro studies demonstrate that duloxetine does not inhibit or induce CYP3A activity. Therefore, an increase or decrease in the metabolism of CYP3A substrates (e.g., oral contraceptives and other steroidal agents) resulting from induction or inhibition is not anticipated, although clinical studies have not been performed.
Drugs Metabolized by CYP2C19
Results of in vitro studies demonstrate that duloxetine does not inhibit CYP2C19 activity at therapeutic concentrations. Inhibition of the metabolism of CYP2C19 substrates is therefore not anticipated, although clinical studies have not been performed.
[See Dosage and Administration (2.5, 2.6), Contraindications (4.1), and Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Serotonergic Drugs
When duloxetine delayed-release and ethanol were administered several hours apart so that peak concentrations of each would coincide, duloxetine delayed-release did not increase the impairment of mental and motor skills caused by alcohol.
In the duloxetine delayed-release clinical trials database, three duloxetine delayed-release-treated patients had liver injury as manifested by ALT and total bilirubin elevations, with evidence of obstruction. Substantial intercurrent ethanol use was present in each of these cases, and this may have contributed to the abnormalities seen [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2 and 5.12)].
CNS Drugs
[See Warnings and Precautions (5.12)].
Drugs Highly Bound to Plasma Protein
Because duloxetine is highly bound to plasma protein, administration of duloxetine delayed-release to a patient taking another drug that is highly protein bound may cause increased free concentrations of the other drug, potentially resulting in adverse reactions. However, coadministration of duloxetine (60 or 120 mg) with warfarin (2 to 9 mg), a highly protein-bound drug, did not result in significant changes in INR and in the pharmacokinetics of either total S-or total R-warfarin (protein bound plus free drug) [see Drug Interactions (7.4)].
Teratogenic Effects, Pregnancy Category C - In animal reproduction studies, duloxetine has been shown to have adverse effects on embryo/fetal and postnatal development.
When duloxetine was administered orally to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis, there was no evidence of teratogenicity at doses up to 45 mg/kg/day (7 times the maximum recommended human dose [MRHD, 60 mg/day] and 4 times the human dose of 120 mg/day on a mg/m2 basis, in rat; 15 times the MRHD and 7 times the human dose of 120 mg/day on a mg/m2 basis in rabbit). However, fetal weights were decreased at this dose, with a no-effect dose of 10 mg/kg/day (2 times the MRHD and ≈1 times the human dose of 120 mg/day on a mg/m2 basis in rats; 3 times the MRHD and 2 times the human dose of 120 mg/day on a mg/m2 basis in rabbits).
When duloxetine was administered orally to pregnant rats throughout gestation and lactation, the survival of pups to 1 day postpartum and pup body weights at birth and during the lactation period were decreased at a dose of 30 mg/kg/day (5 times the MRHD and 2 times the human dose of 120 mg/day on a mg/m2 basis); the no-effect dose was 10 mg/kg/day. Furthermore, behaviors consistent with increased reactivity, such as increased startle response to noise and decreased habituation of locomotor activity, were observed in pups following maternal exposure to 30 mg/kg/day. Post-weaning growth and reproductive performance of the progeny were not affected adversely by maternal duloxetine treatment.
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women; therefore, duloxetine should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Nonteratogenic Effects - Neonates exposed to SSRIs or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), late in the third trimester have developed complications requiring prolonged hospitalization, respiratory support, and tube feeding. Such complications can arise immediately upon delivery.
Reported clinical findings have included respiratory distress, cyanosis, apnea, seizures, temperature instability, feeding difficulty, vomiting, hypoglycemia, hypotonia, hypertonia, hyperreflexia, tremor, jitteriness, irritability, and constant crying. These features are consistent with either a direct toxic effect of SSRIs and SNRIs or, possibly, a drug discontinuation syndrome. It should be noted that, in some cases, the clinical picture is consistent with serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
When treating pregnant women with duloxetine delayed-release during the third trimester, the physician should carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of treatment. The physician may consider tapering duloxetine delayed-release in the third trimester [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
The effect of duloxetine on labor and delivery in humans is unknown. Duloxetine should be used during labor and delivery only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Duloxetine is excreted into the milk of lactating women. The estimated daily infant dose on a mg/kg basis is approximately 0.14% of the maternal dose. Because the safety of duloxetine in infants is not known, nursing while on duloxetine delayed-release is not recommended. However, if the physician determines that the benefit of duloxetine therapy for the mother outweighs any potential risk to the infant, no dosage adjustment is required as lactation did not influence duloxetine pharmacokinetics.
The disposition of duloxetine was studied in 6 lactating women who were at least 12 weeks postpartum. Duloxetine 40 mg twice daily was given for 3.5 days. Like many other drugs, duloxetine is detected in breast milk, and steady state concentrations in breast milk are about one-fourth those in plasma. The amount of duloxetine in breast milk is approximately 7 mcg/day while on 40 mg BID dosing. The excretion of duloxetine metabolites into breast milk was not examined. Because the safety of duloxetine in infants is not known, nursing while on duloxetine delayed-release is not recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
Safety and effectiveness in the pediatric population has not been established [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Decreased appetite and weight loss have been observed in association with the use of SSRIs and SNRIs. Perform regular monitoring of weight and growth in children and adolescents treated with an SNRI such as duloxetine hydrochloride.
Duloxetine administration to young rats from post-natal day 21 (weaning) through post-natal day 90 (adult) resulted in decreased body weights that persisted into adulthood, but recovered when drug treatment was discontinued; slightly delayed (~1.5 days) sexual maturation in females, without any effect on fertility; and a delay in learning a complex task in adulthood, which was not observed after drug treatment was discontinued. These effects were observed at the high dose of 45 mg/kg/day; the no- effect-level was 20 mg/kg/day.
Information describing two additional clinical studies performed by Eli Lilly and Company that failed to demonstrate pediatric efficacy is approved for Eli Lilly and Company's Duloxetine Delayed-release Capsules. However, due to Eli Lilly and Company's marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that pediatric information.
Of the 2,418 patients in premarketing clinical studies of duloxetine delayed-release for MDD, 5.9% (143) were 65 years of age or over. Of the 1041 patients in CLBP premarketing studies, 21.2% (221) were 65 years of age or over. Of the 487 patients in OA premarketing studies, 40.5% (197) were 65 years of age or over. Of the 1,074 patients in the DPNP premarketing studies, 33% (357) were 65 years of age or over. Of the 1,761 patients in FM premarketing studies, 7.9% (140) were 65 years of age or over.
Premarketing clinical studies of GAD did not include sufficient numbers of subjects age 65 or over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. In the MDD, DPNP, FM, OA, and CLBP studies, no overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out. SSRIs and SNRIs, including duloxetine delayed-release have been associated with cases of clinically significant hyponatremia in elderly patients, who may be at greater risk for this adverse event [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13)].
The pharmacokinetics of duloxetine after a single dose of 40 mg were compared in healthy elderly females (65 to 77 years) and healthy middle-age females (32 to 50 years). There was no difference in the Cmax, but the AUC of duloxetine was somewhat (about 25%) higher and the half-life about 4 hours longer in the elderly females. Population pharmacokinetic analyses suggest that the typical values for clearance decrease by approximately 1% for each year of age between 25 to 75 years of age; but age as a predictive factor only accounts for a small percentage of between-patient variability. Dosage adjustment based on the age of the patient is not necessary [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
Duloxetine's half-life is similar in men and women. Dosage adjustment based on gender is not necessary.
Smoking Status
Duloxetine bioavailability (AUC) appears to be reduced by about one-third in smokers. Dosage modifications are not recommended for smokers.
No specific pharmacokinetic study was conducted to investigate the effects of race.
Patients with clinically evident hepatic insufficiency have decreased duloxetine metabolism and elimination. After a single 20 mg dose of duloxetine delayed-release, 6 cirrhotic patients with moderate liver impairment (Child-Pugh Class B) had a mean plasma duloxetine clearance about 15% that of age- and gender-matched healthy subjects, with a 5-fold increase in mean exposure (AUC). Although Cmax was similar to normals in the cirrhotic patients, the half-life was about 3 times longer [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Warnings and Precautions (5.14)].
Severe Renal Impairment
Limited data are available on the effects of duloxetine in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). After a single 60 mg dose of duloxetine, Cmax and AUC values were approximately 100% greater in patients with end-stage renal disease receiving chronic intermittent hemodialysis than in subjects with normal renal function. The elimination half-life, however, was similar in both groups. The AUCs of the major circulating metabolites, 4-hydroxy duloxetine glucuronide and 5-hydroxy, 6-methoxy duloxetine sulfate, largely excreted in urine, were approximately 7- to 9-fold higher and would be expected to increase further with multiple dosing. Population PK analyses suggest that mild to moderate degrees of renal dysfunction (estimated CrCl 30 to 80 mL/min) have no significant effect on duloxetine apparent clearance [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Warnings and Precautions (5.14)].
In animal studies, duloxetine did not demonstrate barbiturate-like (depressant) abuse potential.
While duloxetine delayed-release has not been systematically studied in humans for its potential for abuse, there was no indication of drug-seeking behavior in the clinical trials. However, it is not possible to predict on the basis of premarketing experience the extent to which a CNS active drug will be misused, diverted, and/or abused once marketed. Consequently, physicians should carefully evaluate patients for a history of drug abuse and follow such patients closely, observing them for signs of misuse or abuse of duloxetine delayed-release (e.g., development of tolerance, incrementation of dose, drug- seeking behavior).
In drug dependence studies, duloxetine did not demonstrate dependence-producing potential in rats.
In postmarketing experience, fatal outcomes have been reported for acute overdoses, primarily with mixed overdoses, but also with duloxetine only, at doses as low as 1000 mg. Signs and symptoms of overdose (duloxetine alone or with mixed drugs) included somnolence, coma, serotonin syndrome, seizures, syncope, tachycardia, hypotension, hypertension, and vomiting.
Management of Overdose
There is no specific antidote to duloxetine delayed-release, but if serotonin syndrome ensues, specific treatment (such as with cyproheptadine and/or temperature control) may be considered. In case of acute overdose, treatment should consist of those general measures employed in the management of overdose with any drug.
An adequate airway, oxygenation, and ventilation should be assured, and cardiac rhythm and vital signs should be monitored. Induction of emesis is not recommended. Gastric lavage with a large-bore orogastric tube with appropriate airway protection, if needed, may be indicated if performed soon after ingestion or in symptomatic patients.
Activated charcoal may be useful in limiting absorption of duloxetine from the gastrointestinal tract. Administration of activated charcoal has been shown to decrease AUC and Cmax by an average of one- third, although some subjects had a limited effect of activated charcoal. Due to the large volume of distribution of this drug, forced diuresis, dialysis, hemoperfusion, and exchange transfusion are unlikely to be beneficial.
In managing overdose, the possibility of multiple drug involvement should be considered. A specific caution involves patients who are taking or have recently taken duloxetine delayed-release and might ingest excessive quantities of a TCA. In such a case, decreased clearance of the parent tricyclic and/or its active metabolite may increase the possibility of clinically significant sequelae and extend the time needed for close medical observation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Drug Interactions (7)]. The physician should consider contacting a poison control center for additional information on the treatment of any overdose. Telephone numbers for certified poison control centers are listed in the Physicians' Desk Reference (PDR).
Duloxetine delayed-release capsules, USP are a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI) for oral administration. Its chemical designation is (+)-(S)-N-methyl-γ-(1- naphthyloxy)-2-thiophenepropylamine hydrochloride. The molecular formula is C18H19NOS•HCl, which corresponds to a molecular weight of 333.88. The structural formula is:
Duloxetine hydrochloride, USP is a white to slightly brownish white solid, which is slightly soluble in water.
Each capsule contains enteric-coated pellets of 22.4, 33.7, or 67.3 mg of duloxetine hydrochloride, USP equivalent to 20, 30, or 60 mg of duloxetine, respectively. These enteric-coated pellets are designed to prevent degradation of the drug in the acidic environment of the stomach. Inactive ingredients include ammonium hydroxide, black iron oxide, gelatin, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate, hypromellose, potassium hydroxide, propylene glycol, shellac, sugar spheres (sucrose and corn starch), talc, titanium dioxide and triethyl citrate. The 20 mg and 30 mg capsules also contain FD and C Blue # 1 Aluminum Lake.
Although the exact mechanisms of the antidepressant, central pain inhibitory and anxiolytic actions of duloxetine in humans are unknown, these actions are believed to be related to its potentiation of serotonergic and noradrenergic activity in the CNS.
Preclinical studies have shown that duloxetine is a potent inhibitor of neuronal serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and a less potent inhibitor of dopamine reuptake. Duloxetine has no significant affinity for dopaminergic, adrenergic, cholinergic, histaminergic, opioid, glutamate, and GABA receptors in vitro. Duloxetine does not inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO).
Duloxetine has an elimination half-life of about 12 hours (range 8 to 17 hours) and its pharmacokinetics are dose proportional over the therapeutic range. Steady-state plasma concentrations are typically achieved after 3 days of dosing. Elimination of duloxetine is mainly through hepatic metabolism involving two P450 isozymes, CYP1A2 and CYP2D6.
Absorption and Distribution - Orally administered duloxetine hydrochloride is well absorbed. There is a median 2 hour lag until absorption begins (Tlag), with maximal plasma concentrations (Cmax) of duloxetine occurring 6 hours post dose. Food does not affect the Cmax of duloxetine, but delays the time to reach peak concentration from 6 to 10 hours and it marginally decreases the extent of absorption (AUC) by about 10%. There is a 3 hour delay in absorption and a one-third increase in apparent clearance of duloxetine after an evening dose as compared to a morning dose.
The apparent volume of distribution averages about 1640 L. Duloxetine is highly bound (greater than 90%) to proteins in human plasma, binding primarily to albumin and α1-acid glycoprotein. The interaction between duloxetine and other highly protein bound drugs has not been fully evaluated. Plasma protein binding of duloxetine is not affected by renal or hepatic impairment.
Metabolism and Elimination - Biotransformation and disposition of duloxetine in humans have been determined following oral administration of 14C-labeled duloxetine. Duloxetine comprises about 3% of the total radiolabeled material in the plasma, indicating that it undergoes extensive metabolism to numerous metabolites. The major biotransformation pathways for duloxetine involve oxidation of the naphthyl ring followed by conjugation and further oxidation. Both CYP1A2 and CYP2D6 catalyze the oxidation of the naphthyl ring in vitro. Metabolites found in plasma include 4-hydroxy duloxetine glucuronide and 5-hydroxy, 6-methoxy duloxetine sulfate. Many additional metabolites have been identified in urine, some representing only minor pathways of elimination. Only trace (less than 1% of the dose) amounts of unchanged duloxetine are present in the urine. Most (about 70%) of the duloxetine dose appears in the urine as metabolites of duloxetine; about 20% is excreted in the feces. Duloxetine undergoes extensive metabolism, but the major circulating metabolites have not been shown to contribute significantly to the pharmacologic activity of duloxetine.
Carcinogenesis - Duloxetine was administered in the diet to mice and rats for 2 years.
In female mice receiving duloxetine at 140 mg/kg/day (11 times the maximum recommended human dose [MRHD, 60 mg/day] and 6 times the human dose of 120 mg/day on a mg/m2 basis), there was an increased incidence of hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas. The no-effect dose was 50 mg/kg/day (4 times the MRHD and 2 times the human dose of 120 mg/day on a mg/m2 basis). Tumor incidence was not increased in male mice receiving duloxetine at doses up to 100 mg/kg/day (8 times the MRHD and 4 times the human dose of 120 mg/day on a mg/m2 basis).
In rats, dietary doses of duloxetine up to 27 mg/kg/day in females (4 times the MRHD and 2 times the human dose of 120 mg/day on a mg/m2 basis) and up to 36 mg/kg/day in males (6 times the MRHD and 3 times the human dose of 120 mg/day on a mg/m2 basis) did not increase the incidence of tumors.
Mutagenesis - Duloxetine was not mutagenic in the in vitro bacterial reverse mutation assay (Ames test) and was not clastogenic in an in vivo chromosomal aberration test in mouse bone marrow cells. Additionally, duloxetine was not genotoxic in an in vitro mammalian forward gene mutation assay in mouse lymphoma cells or in an in vitro unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) assay in primary rat hepatocytes, and did not induce sister chromatid exchange in Chinese hamster bone marrow in vivo.
Impairment of Fertility - Duloxetine administered orally to either male or female rats prior to and throughout mating at doses up to 45 mg/kg/day (7 times the maximum recommended human dose of 60 mg/day and 4 times the human dose of 120 mg/day on a mg/m2 basis) did not alter mating or fertility.
The efficacy of duloxetine delayed-release as a treatment for depression was established in 4 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, fixed-dose studies in adult outpatients (18 to 83 years) meeting DSM-IV criteria for major depression. In 2 studies, patients were randomized to duloxetine delayed-release 60 mg once daily (N=123 and N=128, respectively) or placebo (N=122 and N=139, respectively) for 9 weeks; in the third study, patients were randomized to duloxetine delayed-release 20 or 40 mg twice daily (N=86 and N=91, respectively) or placebo (N=89) for 8 weeks; in the fourth study, patients were randomized to duloxetine delayed-release 40 or 60 mg twice daily (N=95 and N=93, respectively) or placebo (N=93) for 8 weeks. There is no evidence that doses greater than 60 mg/day confer additional benefits.
In all 4 studies, duloxetine delayed-release demonstrated superiority over placebo as measured by improvement in the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) total score.
In all of these clinical studies, analyses of the relationship between treatment outcome and age, gender, and race did not suggest any differential responsiveness on the basis of these patient characteristics.
In another study, 533 patients meeting DSM-IV criteria for MDD received duloxetine delayed-release 60 mg once daily during an initial 12-week open-label treatment phase. Two hundred and seventy-eight patients who responded to open label treatment (defined as meeting the following criteria at weeks 10 and 12: a HAMD-17 total score less than or equal to 9, Clinical Global Impressions of Severity (CGI-S) less than or equal to 2, and not meeting the DSM-IV criteria for MDD) were randomly assigned to continuation of duloxetine delayed-release at the same dose (N=136) or to placebo (N=142) for 6 months. Patients on duloxetine delayed-release experienced a statistically significantly longer time to relapse of depression than did patients on placebo. Relapse was defined as an increase in the CGI–S score of greater than or equal to 2 points compared with that obtained at week 12, as well as meeting the DSM-IV criteria for MDD at 2 consecutive visits at least 2 weeks apart, where the 2-week temporal criterion had to be satisfied at only the second visit. The effectiveness of duloxetine delayed-release in hospitalized patients with major depressive disorder has not been studied.
The efficacy of duloxetine delayed-release in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) was established in 1 fixed-dose randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial and 2 flexible-dose randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in adult outpatients between 18 and 83 years of age meeting the DSM-IV criteria for GAD.
In 1 flexible-dose study and in the fixed-dose study, the starting dose was 60 mg once daily where down titration to 30 mg once daily was allowed for tolerability reasons before increasing it to 60 mg once daily. Fifteen percent of patients were down titrated. One flexible-dose study had a starting dose of 30 mg once daily for 1 week before increasing it to 60 mg once daily.
The 2 flexible-dose studies involved dose titration with duloxetine delayed-release doses ranging from 60 mg once daily to 120 mg once daily (N=168 and N=162) compared to placebo (N=159 and N=161) over a 10-week treatment period. The mean dose for completers at endpoint in the flexible-dose studies was 104.75 mg/day. The fixed-dose study evaluated duloxetine delayed-release doses of 60 mg once daily (N=168) and 120 mg once daily (N=170) compared to placebo (N=175) over a 9-week treatment period. While a 120 mg/day dose was shown to be effective, there is no evidence that doses greater than 60 mg/day confer additional benefit.
In all 3 studies, duloxetine delayed-release demonstrated superiority over placebo as measured by greater improvement in the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) total score and by the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) global functional impairment score. The SDS is a widely used and well-validated scale that measures the extent emotional symptoms disrupt patient functioning in 3 life domains: work/school, social life/leisure activities, and family life/home responsibilities.
In another study, 887 patients meeting DSM-IV-TR criteria for GAD received duloxetine delayed- release 60 mg to 120 mg once daily during an initial 26-week open-label treatment phase. Four hundred and twenty-nine patients who responded to open-label treatment (defined as meeting the following criteria at weeks 24 and 26: a decrease from baseline HAM-A total score by at least 50% to a score no higher than 11, and a Clinical Global Impressions of Improvement [CGI-Improvement] score of 1 or 2) were randomly assigned to continuation of duloxetine delayed-release at the same dose (N=216) or to placebo (N=213) and were observed for relapse. Of the patients randomized, 73% had been in a responder status for at least 10 weeks. Relapse was defined as an increase in CGI-Severity score at least 2 points to a score greater than or equal to 4 and a MINI (Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview) diagnosis of GAD (excluding duration), or discontinuation due to lack of efficacy. Patients taking duloxetine delayed-release experienced a statistically significantly longer time to relapse of GAD than did patients taking placebo.
Subgroup analyses did not indicate that there were any differences in treatment outcomes as a function of age or gender.
The efficacy of duloxetine delayed-release for the management of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy was established in 2 randomized, 12-week, double-blind, placebo- controlled, fixed-dose studies in adult patients having diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain for at least 6 months. Study DPNP-1 and Study DPNP-2 enrolled a total of 791 patients of whom 592 (75%) completed the studies. Patients enrolled had Type I or II diabetes mellitus with a diagnosis of painful distal symmetrical sensorimotor polyneuropathy for at least 6 months. The patients had a baseline pain score of greater than or equal to 4 on an 11-point scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain). Patients were permitted up to 4 g of acetaminophen per day as needed for pain, in addition to duloxetine delayed-release. Patients recorded their pain daily in a diary.
Both studies compared duloxetine delayed-release 60 mg once daily or 60 mg twice daily with placebo. DPNP-1 additionally compared duloxetine delayed-release 20 mg with placebo. A total of 457 patients (342 duloxetine delayed-release, 115 placebo) were enrolled in DPNP-1 and a total of 334 patients (226 duloxetine delayed-release, 108 placebo) were enrolled in DPNP-2. Treatment with duloxetine delayed- release 60 mg one or two times a day statistically significantly improved the endpoint mean pain scores from baseline and increased the proportion of patients with at least a 50% reduction in pain scores from baseline. For various degrees of improvement in pain from baseline to study endpoint, Figures 1 and 2 show the fraction of patients achieving that degree of improvement. The figures are cumulative, so that patients whose change from baseline is, for example, 50%, are also included at every level of improvement below 50%. Patients who did not complete the study were assigned 0% improvement.
Some patients experienced a decrease in pain as early as week 1, which persisted throughout the study.
Figure 1: Percentage of Patients Achieving Various Levels of Pain Relief as Measured by 24-Hour Average Pain Severity -DPNP-1
The efficacy of duloxetine delayed-release for the management of fibromyalgia was established in two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, fixed-dose studies in adult patients meeting the American College of Rheumatology criteria for fibromyalgia (a history of widespread pain for 3 months, and pain present at 11 or more of the 18 specific tender point sites). Study FM-1 was three months in duration and enrolled female patients only. Study FM-2 was six months in duration and enrolled male and female patients. Approximately 25% of participants had a comorbid diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD). FM-1 and FM-2 enrolled a total of 874 patients of whom 541 (62%) completed the studies. The patients had a baseline pain score of 6.5 on an 11-point scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worse possible pain).
Both studies compared duloxetine delayed-release 60 mg once daily or 120 mg daily (given in divided doses in FM-1 and as a single daily dose in FM-2) with placebo. FM-2 additionally compared duloxetine delayed-release 20 mg with placebo during the initial three months of a six-month study. A total of 354 patients (234 duloxetine delayed-release, 120 placebo) were enrolled in FM-1 and a total of 520 patients (376 duloxetine delayed-release, 144 placebo) were enrolled in FM-2 (5% male, 95% female). Treatment with duloxetine delayed-release 60 mg or 120 mg daily statistically significantly improved the endpoint mean pain scores from baseline and increase the proportion of patients with at least a 50% reduction in pain score from baseline. Pain reduction was observed in patients both with and without comorbid MDD. However, the degree of pain reduction may be greater in patients with comorbid MDD. For various degrees of improvement in pain from baseline to study endpoint, Figures 3 and 4 show the fraction of patients achieving that degree of improvement. The figures are cumulative so that patients whose change from baseline is, for example, 50%, are also included at every level of improvement below 50%. Patients who did not complete the study were assigned 0% improvement. Some patients experienced a decrease in pain as early as week 1, which persisted throughout the study. Improvement was also demonstrated on measures of function (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaires) and patient global impression of change (PGI). Neither study demonstrated a benefit of 120 mg compared to 60 mg, and a higher dose was associated with more adverse reactions and premature discontinuations of treatment.
Figure 3: Percentage of Patients Achieving Various Levels of Pain Relief as Measured by 24-Hour Average Pain Severity -FM-1
Additionally, the benefit of up-titration in non-responders to duloxetine delayed-release at 60 mg/day was evaluated in a separate study. Patients were initially treated with duloxetine delayed-release 60 mg once daily for eight weeks in open-label fashion. Subsequently, completers of this phase were randomized to double-blind treatment with duloxetine delayed-release at either 60 mg once daily or 120 mg once daily. Those patients who were considered non-responders, where response was defined as at least a 30% reduction in pain score from baseline at the end of the 8-week treatment, were no more likely to meet response criteria at the end of 60 weeks of treatment if blindly titrated to duloxetine delayed-release 120 mg as compared to those who were blindly continued on duloxetine delayed-release 60 mg.
Duloxetine delayed-release capsules, USP are indicated for the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain. This has been established in studies in patients with chronic low back pain and chronic pain due to osteoarthritis.
Studies in Chronic Low Back Pain:
The efficacy of duloxetine delayed-release in chronic low back pain (CLBP) was assessed in two double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials of 13-weeks duration (Study CLBP-1 and Study CLBP-2), and one of 12-weeks duration (CLBP-3). CLBP-1 and CLBP-3 demonstrated efficacy of duloxetine delayed-release in the treatment of chronic low back pain. Patients in all studies had no signs of radiculopathy or spinal stenosis.
Study CLBP-1: Two hundred thirty-six adult patients (N=115 on duloxetine delayed-release, N=121 on placebo) enrolled and 182 (77%) completed 13-week treatment phase. After 7 weeks of treatment, duloxetine delayed-release patients with less than 30% reduction in average daily pain and who were able to tolerate duloxetine 60 mg once daily had their dose of duloxetine delayed-release, in a double- blinded fashion, increased to 120 mg once daily for the remainder of the study. Patients had a mean baseline pain rating of 6 on a numerical rating scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain). After 13 weeks of treatment, patients taking duloxetine delayed-release 60-120 mg daily had a significantly greater pain reduction compared to placebo. Randomization was stratified by the patients' baseline NSAIDs-use status. Subgroup analyses did not indicate that there were differences in treatment outcomes as a function of NSAIDs use.
Study CLBP-2: Four hundred and four patients were randomized to receive fixed doses of duloxetine delayed-release daily or a matching placebo (N=59 on duloxetine delayed-release 20 mg, N=116 on duloxetine delayed-release 60 mg, N=112 on duloxetine delayed-release 120 mg, N=117 on placebo) and 267 (66%) completed the entire 13-week study. After 13 weeks of treatment, none of the three duloxetine delayed-release doses showed a statistically significant difference in pain reduction compared to placebo.
Study CLBP-3: Four hundred and one patients were randomized to receive fixed doses of duloxetine delayed-release 60 mg daily or placebo (N=198 on duloxetine delayed-release, N=203 on placebo), and 303 (76%) completed the study. Patients had a mean baseline pain rating of 6 on a numerical rating scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain). After 12 weeks of treatment, patients taking duloxetine delayed-release 60 mg daily had significantly greater pain reduction compared to placebo.
For various degrees of improvement in pain from baseline to study endpoint, Figures 5 and 6 show the fraction of patients in CLBP-1 and CLBP-3 achieving that degree of improvement. The figures are cumulative, so that patients whose change from baseline is, for example, 50%, are also included at every level of improvement below 50%. Patients who did not complete the study were assigned the value of 0% improvement.
Figure 5: Percentage of Patients Achieving Various Levels of Pain Relief as Measured by 24-Hour Average Pain Severity – CLBP-1
Studies in Chronic Pain Due to Osteoarthritis:
The efficacy of duloxetine delayed-release in chronic pain due to osteoarthritis was assessed in 2 double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials of 13-weeks duration (Study OA-1 and Study OA-2). All patients in both studies fulfilled the ACR clinical and radiographic criteria for classification of idiopathic osteoarthritis of the knee. Randomization was stratified by the patients' baseline NSAIDs-use status. Patients assigned to duloxetine delayed-release started treatment in both studies at a dose of 30 mg once daily for one week. After the first week, the dose of duloxetine delayed- release was increased to 60 mg once daily. After 7 weeks of treatment with duloxetine delayed-release 60 mg once daily, in OA-1 patients with sub-optimal response to treatment (less than 30% pain reduction) and tolerated duloxetine 60 mg once daily had their dose increased to 120 mg. However, in OA-2, all patients, regardless of their response to treatment after 7 weeks, were re-randomized to either continue receiving duloxetine delayed-release 60 mg once daily or have their dose increased to 120 mg once daily for the remainder of the study. Patients in the placebo treatment groups in both studies received a matching placebo for the entire duration of studies. For both studies, efficacy analyses were conducted using 13-week data from the combined duloxetine delayed-release 60 mg and 120 mg once daily treatment groups compared to the placebo group.
Study OA-1: Two hundred fifty-six patients (N=128 on duloxetine delayed-release, N=128 on placebo) enrolled and 204 (80%) completed the study. Patients had a mean baseline pain rating of 6 on a numerical rating scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain). After 13 weeks of treatment, patients taking duloxetine delayed-release had significantly greater pain reduction. Subgroup analyses did not indicate that there were differences in treatment outcomes as a function of NSAIDs use.
Study OA-2: Two hundred thirty-one patients (N=111 on duloxetine delayed-release, N=120 on placebo) enrolled and 173 (75%) completed the study. Patients had a mean baseline pain of 6 on a numerical rating scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain). After 13 weeks of treatment, patients taking duloxetine delayed-release did not show a significantly greater pain reduction.
In Study OA-1, for various degrees of improvement in pain from baseline to study endpoint, Figure 7 shows the fraction of patients achieving that degree of improvement. The figure is cumulative, so that patients whose change from baseline is, for example, 50%, are also included at every level of improvement below 50%. Patients who did not complete the study were assigned the value of 0% improvement.
Figure 7: Percentage of Patients Achieving Various Levels of Pain Relief as Measured by 24-Hour Average Pain Severity – OA-1
Duloxetine hydrochloride, USP is available as delayed-release capsules in the following strengths:
20 mg – Each capsule with blue opaque cap and body, printed with and 2890 on both cap and body in black ink contains 22.4 mg of duloxetine hydrochloride, USP equivalent to 20 mg of duloxetine. Capsules are supplied in bottles of 60 (NDC 0228-2890-06) and bottles of 500 (0228-2890-50).
30 mg – Each capsule with gray opaque body and blue opaque cap, printed with and 2891 on both cap and body in black ink contains 33.7 mg of duloxetine hydrochloride, USP equivalent to 30 mg of duloxetine. Capsules are supplied in bottles of 30 (NDC 0228-2891-03), 90 (NDC 0228- 2891-09) and bottles of 500 (0228-2891-50).
60 mg – Each capsule with gray opaque body and white opaque cap, printed with and 2892 on both cap and body in black ink contains 67.3 mg of duloxetine hydrochloride, USP equivalent to 60 mg of duloxetine. Capsules are supplied in bottles of 30 (NDC 0228-2892-03), 90 (NDC 0228- 2892-09) and bottles of 1000 (0228-2892-96).
Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15 to 30°C (59 to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container as defined in the USP.
See FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
Information on Medication Guide
Prescribers or other health professionals should inform patients, their families, and their caregivers about the benefits and risks associated with treatment with duloxetine delayed-release capsules and should counsel them in its appropriate use. A patient Medication Guide is available for duloxetine delayed- release capsules. The prescriber or health professional should instruct patients, their families, and their caregivers to read the Medication Guide before starting duloxetine delayed-release capsules and each time their prescription is renewed, and should assist them in understanding its contents. Patients should be given the opportunity to discuss the contents of the Medication Guide and to obtain answers to any questions they may have. The complete text of the Medication Guide is reprinted at the end of this document
Patients should be advised of the following issues and asked to alert their prescriber if these occur while taking duloxetine delayed-release capsules.
Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors
Patients, their families, and their caregivers should be encouraged to be alert to the emergence of anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity, akathisia (psychomotor restlessness), hypomania, mania, other unusual changes in behavior, worsening of depression, and suicidal ideation, especially early during antidepressant treatment and when the dose is adjusted up or down. Families and caregivers of patients should be advised to observe for the emergence of such symptoms on a day-to-day basis, since changes may be abrupt. Such symptoms should be reported to the patient's prescriber or health professional, especially if they are severe, abrupt in onset, or were not part of the patient's presenting symptoms. Symptoms such as these may be associated with an increased risk for suicidal thinking and behavior and indicate a need for very close monitoring and possibly changes in the medication [see Boxed Warning, and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Duloxetine delayed-release capsules should be swallowed whole and should not be chewed or crushed, nor should the capsule be opened and its contents be sprinkled on food or mixed with liquids. All of these might affect the enteric coating.
Continuing the Therapy Prescribed
While patients may notice improvement with duloxetine delayed-release capsule therapy in 1 to 4 weeks, they should be advised to continue therapy as directed.
Patients should be informed that severe liver problems, sometimes fatal, have been reported in patients treated with duloxetine delayed-release. Patients should be instructed to talk to their healthcare provider if they develop itching, right upper belly pain, dark urine, or yellow skin/eyes while taking duloxetine delayed-release, which may be signs of liver problems. Patients should talk to their healthcare provider about their alcohol consumption. Use of duloxetine delayed-release with heavy alcohol intake may be associated with severe liver injury [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Although duloxetine delayed-release does not increase the impairment of mental and motor skills caused by alcohol, use of duloxetine delayed-release concomitantly with heavy alcohol intake may be associated with severe liver injury. For this reason, duloxetine delayed-release should not be prescribed for patients with substantial alcohol use [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Drug Interactions (7.15)].
Patients should be advised of the risk of orthostatic hypotension and syncope, especially during the period of initial use and subsequent dose escalation, and in association with the use of concomitant drugs that might potentiate the orthostatic effect of duloxetine [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
Patients should be cautioned about the risk of serotonin syndrome with the concomitant use of duloxetine delayed-release and other serotonergic agents including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, buspirone, tryptophan and St. John's Wort [see Contraindications (4.1), Warnings and Precautions (5.4), and Drug Interactions (7.14)].
Patients should be advised of the signs and symptoms associated with serotonin syndrome that may include mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, delirium, and coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, dizziness, diaphoresis, flushing, hyperthermia), neuromuscular changes (e.g., tremor, rigidity, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, incoordination), seizures, and/or gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Patients should be cautioned to seek medical care immediately if they experience these symptoms.
Patients should be cautioned about the concomitant use of duloxetine and NSAIDs, aspirin, warfarin, or other drugs that affect coagulation since combined use of psychotropic drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake and these agents has been associated with an increased risk of bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].
Patients should be cautioned that duloxetine delayed-release may cause serious skin reactions. This may need to be treated in a hospital and may be life-threatening. Patients should be counseled to call their doctor right away or get emergency help if they have skin blisters, peeling rash, sores in their mouth, hives, or any other allergic reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].
Discontinuation of Treatment
Patients should be instructed that discontinuation of duloxetine delayed-release may be associated with symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea, diarrhea, paresthesia, irritability, vomiting, insomnia, anxiety, hyperhidrosis, and fatigue, and should be advised not to alter their dosing regimen, or stop taking duloxetine delayed-release without consulting their physician [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].
Activation of Mania or Hypomania
Patients with depressive symptoms should be adequately screened for risk of bipolar disorder (e.g. family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, and depression) prior to initiating treatment with duloxetine delayed-release. Patients should be advised to report any signs or symptoms of a manic reaction such as greatly increased energy, severe trouble sleeping, racing thoughts, reckless behavior, talking more or faster than usual, unusually grand ideas, and excessive happiness or irritability [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].
Patients should be advised that taking duloxetine delayed-release can cause mild pupillary dilation, which in susceptible individuals, can lead to an episode of angle-closure glaucoma. Pre-existing glaucoma is almost always open-angle glaucoma because angle-closure glaucoma, when diagnosed, can be treated definitively with iridectomy. Open-angle glaucoma is not a risk factor for angle-closure glaucoma. Patients may wish to be examined to determine whether they are susceptible to angle-closure, and have a prophylactic procedure (e.g., iridectomy), if they are susceptible. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]
Patients should be advised to inform their physician if they have a history of seizure disorder [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)].
Effects on Blood Pressur
Patients should be cautioned that duloxetine delayed-release may cause an increase in blood pressure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)].
Concomitant Medications
Patients should be advised to inform their physicians if they are taking, or plan to take, any prescription or over-the-counter medications, since there is a potential for interactions [see Dosage and Administration (2.5), Contraindications (4.1), Warnings and Precautions (5.4 and 5.12), and Drug Interactions (7)].
Patients should be advised that hyponatremia has been reported as a result of treatment with SNRIs and SSRIs, including duloxetine delayed-release. Patients should be advised of the signs and symptoms of hyponatremia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13)].
Concomitant Illnesses
Patients should be advised to inform their physicians about all of their medical conditions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14)].
Urinary Hesitancy and Retention
Duloxetine delayed-release is in a class of medicines that may affect urination. Patients should be instructed to consult with their healthcare provider if they develop any problems with urine flow [see Warnings and Precautions (5.15)].
Patients should be advised to notify their physician if they
become pregnant during therapy
intend to become pregnant during therapy
are breastfeeding [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.2, and 8.3)].
Interference with Psychomotor Performance
Any psychoactive drug may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills. Although in controlled studies duloxetine delayed-release has not been shown to impair psychomotor performance, cognitive function, or memory, it may be associated with sedation and dizziness. Therefore, patients should be cautioned about operating hazardous machinery including automobiles, until they are reasonably certain that duloxetine delayed-release therapy does not affect their ability to engage in such activities.