cymbalta

How long does Duloxetine Hydrochloride stay in your body?

The elimination half-life of duloxetine hydrochloride is about 12 hours (typically 8 to 17 hours) — the time it takes the body to clear about half of it. As a rule of thumb, a medicine is mostly gone after roughly 4 to 5 half-lives, though this varies from person to person with age and kidney or liver function. Duloxetine has no pharmacologically active major metabolites, so nothing extends its effect; however, the half-life is prolonged roughly 3-fold in people with moderate liver impairment (cirrhosis), and it runs somewhat longer in older adults.

This is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t tell you when a drug test would read negative (tests detect substances for different, often longer, windows) or when it’s safe to take another dose — ask your pharmacist or prescriber. Source: CYMBALTA (duloxetine hydrochloride) delayed-release capsule — FDA prescribing information via DailyMed.

Frequently asked questions

What does Cymbalta treat?

Cymbalta (Duloxetine Hydrochloride) may be used to treat anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, diabetic neuropathies, musculoskeletal pain, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.

How does Cymbalta work?

Cymbalta is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. SNRIs slow the reabsorption of two brain chemicals, serotonin and norepinephrine, back into nerve cells. This leaves more of both available in the gaps between neurons to keep signaling, which can improve mood, anxiety, and certain types of chronic pain.

How much does Cymbalta cost?

Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $3.41 for 30, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins.

Is there a coupon or discount for Cymbalta?

pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Cymbalta. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.

Who makes Cymbalta?

Cymbalta is marketed by Lilly. You can see Lilly's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.

Is Cymbalta a brand-name or generic drug?

Cymbalta is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Duloxetine Hydrochloride.

Is Cymbalta available over the counter?

No. Cymbalta is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.

What forms does Cymbalta come in?

Cymbalta is currently marketed as capsule, delayed release, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.

What class of drug is Cymbalta?

Cymbalta is classified as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.

Is Cymbalta FDA-registered?

Cymbalta is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA021733. You can verify this on its official FDA label.