{"id":60837,"date":"2023-10-16T11:12:28","date_gmt":"2023-10-16T15:12:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=60837"},"modified":"2026-01-05T13:54:25","modified_gmt":"2026-01-05T18:54:25","slug":"cymbalta-generic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/cymbalta-generic\/","title":{"rendered":"Generic Cymbalta (duloxetine) uses, cost, and how to switch"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in <\/span>2004<\/span><\/a>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Continue reading to learn more about the Cymbalta generic option, the differences between the generic and brand name, and information on how to switch.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is there a generic for Cymbalta?<\/span><\/h2>\n

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. <\/span>Various manufacturers<\/span><\/a>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the differences between brand-name and generic Cymbalta?<\/span><\/h2>\n

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 <\/span>safe and effective<\/span><\/a> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Main differences between brand-name and generic Cymbalta<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Drug information<\/span><\/td>\nCymbalta (<\/span>duloxetine<\/span>)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Uses<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Major depressive disorder<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Generalized anxiety disorder<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (nerve pain)<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Fibromyalgia<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Chronic musculoskeletal pain<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard dosage<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • 60 mg once daily<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Dosage varies depending on the condition being treated, but it’s typically taken once or twice daily<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Common side effects<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Dry mouth<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Drowsiness<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Fatigue<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Loss of appetite<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Constipation<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Increased sweating<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Contraindications<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Avoid use with or within 2 weeks of stopping a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Avoid use with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Avoid use with an allergy to duloxetine or any other ingredients in the medication<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Other considerations<\/span><\/td>\n\n