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Key takeaways
Cymbalta is indicated to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and pain disorders such as diabetic neuropathy.
Cymbalta is available generically as duloxetine, and is generally well-covered by insurance plans.
Cymbalta may not be right for everyone, but there are other generic alternatives that may be suitable for you if Cymbalta or duloxetine is not.
Cymbalta, known by the active ingredient and generic name duloxetine, is a prescription drug used to treat depression, anxiety, and diabetic nerve pain. It is also approved for fibromyalgia and chronic muscle pain. Cymbalta works as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) to improve mood and alleviate pain.
Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2004, Cymbalta has become a widely used antidepressant to treat various mental health and pain-related conditions. However, as a brand-name medication, Cymbalta may be expensive for some. Purchasing the generic version of the medication could help save on costs while providing the same effectiveness.
Continue reading to learn more about the Cymbalta generic option, the differences between the generic and brand name, and information on how to switch.
Is there a generic for Cymbalta?
Yes, a generic version of Cymbalta is available. The patent for brand-name Cymbalta expired in 2013, allowing other companies to produce and market duloxetine, the Cymbalta generic equivalent. Various manufacturers, including Sun Pharma, Teva, Lupin, and Aurobindo, began to produce the generic version after the original patent expired. The introduction of duloxetine as a generic has provided more options for patients needing this type of medication and allowed the price to be driven down by competition amongst manufacturers.
What are the differences between brand-name and generic Cymbalta?
Brand-name and generic Cymbalta are essentially the same in terms of their active ingredient. They are both approved to treat depression, anxiety, and certain types of chronic pain. However, there may be some differences between them, including how they appear and the inactive ingredients used. Clinical studies ensure that generic drugs are as safe and effective as their brand-name counterparts. The main benefit of using generic duloxetine over brand-name Cymbalta is the cost, as generics are typically more affordable. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.
Main differences between brand-name and generic Cymbalta |
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| Drug information | Cymbalta (duloxetine) |
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Both the brand Cymbalta and the less expensive generic versions have the same active ingredients. However, they may differ in appearance, inactive ingredients, and cost. Speak with your doctor or healthcare provider to determine the best option for you.
How much is generic Cymbalta?
The cost of generic Cymbalta, known as duloxetine, can vary depending on insurance coverage, pharmacy, and location. Generic versions of medications are typically less expensive than their brand-name counterparts because they do not have the same development and marketing costs.
Comparing the prices of brand-name Cymbalta and its generic version, duloxetine, you may notice a significant difference. The estimated cash price for 30 capsules of 60 mg Cymbalta is around $229, while the generic version, duloxetine, can be found for as low as $8 with a free discount card from SingleCare. Coupons and prescription discount cards may be a helpful way to lower the retail prices of medications at participating pharmacies. In any case, it’s always a good idea to shop around and compare different savings options.
Brand vs. generic Cymbalta prices |
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| Price information | Brand-name Cymbalta | Cymbalta generic (duloxetine) |
| Average cost without insurance | $229 for 30, 60 mg capsules delayed release particles | $17 for 30, 60 mg capsules delayed release particles |
| SingleCare’s lowest price | – | $8 for 30, 60 mg capsules delayed release particles at Kroger |
| Free coupons | Cymbalta coupons | Duloxetine coupons |
Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of 1/05/26. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available.
Save up to 80% on Duloxetine with SingleCare
Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.
Is Cymbalta covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans will provide coverage for generic Cymbalta, but may not cover the brand-name due to the cost. If you require the brand name for any reason, your prescriber may attempt to appeal your coverage. Your out-of-pocket responsibility with insurance will vary based on your plan copays, any deductibles, and other plan limitations. Even if you have insurance, you can still compare your insured price to the discounted price of Cymbalta or duloxetine through SingleCare to make sure you are paying the lowest possible price.
How do you get Cymbalta covered by insurance?
For most insured individuals, generic Cymbalta, duloxetine, will be covered at your generic copay tier. If it is not, your plan may require that you try another drug in the same class first before starting Cymbalta or its generic. Your prescriber and pharmacist can assist with alternatives preferred by your plan. If the generic is covered, but you require brand-name Cymbalta, your prescriber may need to appeal to your insurance company with the reasoning to justify the brand-name being dispensed. Your approved drug formulary for your insurance plan is available to you from your plan, and you should use it to guide your discussion with your prescriber.
What are the off-label uses for Cymbalta?
Cymbalta may have several off-label uses in addition to its FDA-approved uses. A healthcare provider may prescribe Cymbalta or its generic version for medical conditions based on clinical studies, even though the drug may not be approved for these uses.
Migraine headaches
Another off-label use of Cymbalta is for the management of migraine headaches. The medication may help reduce the severity and frequency of migraines by targeting the brain chemicals involved in the migraine pain pathways. However, Cymbalta is not a first-line treatment for migraines, and it may be recommended when other preventive therapies have been unsuccessful.
Urinary incontinence
Cymbalta has been prescribed off-label for the treatment of urinary incontinence, specifically stress urinary incontinence. The medication may help strengthen the muscles that control urine flow and improve overall bladder function. While this off-label use is less common, some people with urinary incontinence may benefit from Cymbalta in addition to other treatments, such as pelvic floor exercises and behavioral changes.
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
Studies have shown that duloxetine may help prevent or reduce nerve pain in people who have been treated with chemotherapy. One meta-analysis, however, suggests that more comprehensive and high-quality clinical trials are needed to determine if duloxetine is a viable treatment option for this purpose.
Generic alternatives to Cymbalta
Cymbalta or its generic may not be right for everyone. There are other options for treating depression, anxiety, and pain that are available generically. It is important that you speak to your prescriber before making any changes to your therapy. This list includes suggestions for options you may discuss with your healthcare provider, but not all will be appropriate for you.
Depression alternatives:
- Escitalopram (Celexa)
- Venlafaxine (Effexor)
- Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
Anxiety alternatives:
- Escitalopram (Celexa)
- Venlafaxine (Effexor)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
Neuropathy, fibromyalgia, or pain alternatives:
- Gabapentin (Neurontin)
- Pregabalin (Lyrica)
- Venlafaxine (Effexor)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Review this article for more information: Duloxetine alternatives
How to switch from Cymbalta to duloxetine
In many cases, a pharmacist will dispense the Cymbalta generic unless the brand-name version is deemed medically necessary. However, if you’ve been taking the brand-name version and are considering switching to the generic, you may want to check with your healthcare provider to ensure a smooth transition.
Expert takeaway
Kristi Torres, Pharm.D., and member of the SingleCare Medical Board, notes, “Treating depression, anxiety, or pain-related disorders requires an individualized treatment plan for each person, and what works for one may not work for all. The cost of treatment choices may vary, but fortunately, there are many generic options for these indications. Whether you are trying generic Cymbalta or another alternative, make sure you are informed of your insurance coverage and look for other discount savings to ensure you are getting the best price.”
- Duloxetine for the management of fibromyalgia syndrome, Journal of Pain Research (2009)
- Individualization of migraine prevention: A randomized controlled trial of psychophysical-based prediction of duloxetine efficacy, Clinical Journal of Pain (2019)
- Duloxetine in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence, Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management (2005)
- Duloxetine for prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN): Systematic review and meta-analysis, BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care (2022)
- WCG Clinical announces relaunch of FDAnews as the premier source for drug and device insights, WCG Clinical