FDA Approves Cymbalta for Osteoarthritis and Chronic Low Back Pain

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Cymbalta (duloxetine hydrochloride) on November 4, 2010 for the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain, including osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain. You may have heard of Cymbalta before now. The drug was first approved and used to treat major depressive disorder in 2004. It was also approved for the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in 2004. In 2007, generalized anxiety disorder and maintenance treatment for major depression were added as indications. In 2008, Cymbalta was approved for fibromyalgia.

To assess the effectiveness of Cymbalta for osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain, the FDA considered the results of four double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials. Results showed that patients taking Cymbalta had "significantly greater pain reduction" than those taking placebo. While there are possible serious side effects associated with Cymbalta, reportedly they have occurred in less than 1% of treated patients.

The approval of Cymbalta for chronic musculoskeletal pain gives patients another treatment option. Discuss Cymbalta with your doctor and understand how to take it safely.

Related Resources:

• Cymbalta Reduces Knee Osteoarthritis Pain
• Cymbalta Approved for Fibromyalgia
• Do Antidepressants Help Chronic Pain Patients?
• More About Cymbalta

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