Table 1: Select Primary and Secondary Efficacy Measures for Duloxetine in the Treatment of MDD
Efficacy Measures Goldstein5 Detke12 Detke6
  Mean Change from Baseline    
HAM-D-17 D: -9.73
P: -6.61(p=0.009)
D: -10.91
P: -6.05 (p<0.001)
D: -10.46
P: -8.29 (p=0.024)
CGI-S D: -1.67
P: -1.07 (p=0.007)
D: -1.87
P: -0.97 (p<0.001)
D: -1.74
P: -1.51 (p=0.15)
PGI-I D: +2.92
P: +2.27 (p=0.006)
D: +3.27
P: +2.48 (p<0.001)
D: +2.59
P: +3.00 (p=0.014)

P = Placebo
D = Duloxetine
Definition of scales14-17
HAM-D-17 (Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression-17): Most widely used rating scale for depression. Ratings to assess symptoms of depression done by clinician through clinical interview on a 0 to 4 spectrum (0 = none, 4 = most severe).14
CGI-I, CGI-S (Clinical Global Impressions): Three-item scale which measures overall illness factors. Severity of Illness (CGI-S) rated by clinician on a 1 to 7 scale (1 = normal, 7 = among the most severely ill patients). Global Improvement (CGI-I) rated by clinician on a 1 to 7 scale (1 = very much improved, 7 = very much worse). Designed to be used to assess change over time.14
PGI (Patient Global Impressions - Improvement): A scale used by the patient to rate their own improvement based on a 0 to 7 scale (0 = not assessed, 7 = very much worse).

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Table 2. Incidence of Adverse Events in Duloxetine-Treated MDD Patients9
  Percentage of Patients Reporting Event
  Duloxetine N=1139 Placebo N=777
Nausea* 20 7
Dry Mouth 15 6
Constipation 11 4
Insomnia 11 6
Dizziness 9 5
Diarrhea 8 6
Fatigue 8 4
Decreased Appetite 8 2
Somnolence 7 3
Increased Sweating 6 2

Duloxetine vs. Placebo
*Nausea was the only common adverse event that led to discontinuation and is considered to be drug-related.

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Table 3. Incidence of Adverse Events in Duloxetine-Treated DN Patients9
  Percentage of Patients Reporting Event
  Duloxetine 60 mg once daily Placebo
Nausea* 22 9
Constipation 11 3
Dry Mouth 7 4
Decreased appetite 4 <1
Somnolence* 15 5
Dizziness* 14 6
Fatigue* 12 5
Increased Sweating 6 2

Duloxetine vs Placebo
*Nausea, somnolence, dizziness, and fatigue were the most common adverse events that led to discontinuation and are considered to be drug-related.

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Table 4. Cost Comparison24
Drug Formulary Status Strength Cost (AWP)/Tablet
Duloxetine (Cymbalta®) F 20 mg $3.05
30 mg $3.42
60 mg $3.42
Venlafaxine (Effexor®) F 25 mg $1.83
37.5 mg $1.88
50 mg $1.94
75 mg $2.06
100 mg $2.18
Venlafaxine (Effexor® XR) F 37.5 mg $3.04
  75 mg $3.41
  150 mg $3.71
Fluoxetine (generic) F 10 mg $2.60
  20 mg $2.67
  40 mg $5.34

F = FormularyAWP = Average Wholesale Price

 

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