DULOXETINE DELAYED-RELEASE

DULOXETINE DELAYED-RELEASE- duloxetine hydrochloride capsule, delayed release pellets
Blenheim Pharmacal, Inc.

WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS

Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies. These studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior with antidepressant use in patients over age 24; there was a reduction in risk with antidepressant use in patients aged 65 and older [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] .

In patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy, monitor closely for worsening, and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Advise families and caregivers of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Duloxetine Delayed-release Capsules are not approved for use in pediatric patients [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

1. INDICATIONS AND USAGE

1.1 Major Depressive Disorder

Duloxetine Delayed-release Capsules are indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). The efficacy of Duloxetine Delayed-release Capsules was established in four short-term and one maintenance trial in adults [see Clinical Studies (14.1)] .

A major depressive episode (DSM-IV) implies a prominent and relatively persistent (nearly every day for at least 2 weeks) depressed or dysphoric mood that usually interferes with daily functioning, and includes at least 5 of the following 9 symptoms: depressed mood, loss of interest in usual activities, significant change in weight and/or appetite, insomnia or hypersomnia, psychomotor agitation or retardation, increased fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, slowed thinking or impaired concentration, or a suicide attempt or suicidal ideation.

1.2 Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Duloxetine Delayed-release Capsules are indicated for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The efficacy of Duloxetine Delayed-release Capsules was established in three short-term trials and one maintenance trial in adults [see Clinical Studies (14.2)] .

Generalized anxiety disorder is defined by the DSM-IV as excessive anxiety and worry, present more days than not, for at least 6 months. The excessive anxiety and worry must be difficult to control and must cause significant distress or impairment in normal functioning. It must be associated with at least 3 of the following 6 symptoms: restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge, being easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating or mind going blank, irritability, muscle tension, and/or sleep disturbance.

1.3 Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain

Duloxetine Delayed-release Capsules are indicated for the management of neuropathic pain (DPNP) associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy [see Clinical Studies (14.3)] .

1.5 Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

Duloxetine Delayed-release Capsules are indicated for the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain. This has been established in studies in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and chronic pain due to osteoarthritis [see Clinical Studies (14.5)] .

2. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Duloxetine Delayed-release Capsules should be swallowed whole and should not be chewed or crushed, nor should the capsule be opened and its contents sprinkled on food or mixed with liquids. All of these might affect the enteric coating. Duloxetine Delayed-release Capsules can be given without regard to meals.

2.1 Initial Treatment

Major Depressive Disorder — Duloxetine Delayed-release Capsules should be administered at a total dose of 40 mg/day (given as 20 mg twice daily) to 60 mg/day (given either once daily or as 30 mg twice daily). For some patients, it may be desirable to start at 30 mg once daily for 1 week, to allow patients to adjust to the medication before increasing to 60 mg once daily. While a 120 mg/day dose was shown to be effective, there is no evidence that doses greater than 60 mg/day confer any additional benefits. The safety of doses above 120 mg/day has not been adequately evaluated [see Clinical Studies (14.1)] .

Generalized Anxiety Disorder — For most patients, the recommended starting dose for Duloxetine Delayed-release Capsules is 60 mg administered once daily. For some patients, it may be desirable to start at 30 mg once daily for 1 week, to allow patients to adjust to the medication before increasing to 60 mg once daily. While a 120 mg once daily dose was shown to be effective, there is no evidence that doses greater than 60 mg/day confer additional benefit. Nevertheless, if a decision is made to increase the dose beyond 60 mg once daily, dose increases should be in increments of 30 mg once daily. The safety of doses above 120 mg once daily has not been adequately evaluated [see Clinical Studies (14.2)] .

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain — The recommended dose for Duloxetine Delayed-release Capsules is 60 mg administered once daily. There is no evidence that doses higher than 60 mg confer additional significant benefit and the higher dose is clearly less well tolerated [see Clinical Studies (14.3)] . For patients for whom tolerability is a concern, a lower starting dose may be considered.

Since diabetes is frequently complicated by renal disease, a lower starting dose and gradual increase in dose should be considered for patients with renal impairment [see Dosage and Administration (2.3), Use in Specific Populations (8.10), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain — The recommended dose for Duloxetine Delayed-release Capsules is 60 mg once daily. Dosing may be started at 30 mg for one week, to allow patients to adjust to the medication before increasing to 60 mg once daily. There is no evidence that higher doses confer additional benefit, even in patients who do not respond to a 60 mg dose, and higher doses are associated with a higher rate of adverse reactions [see Clinical Studies (14.5)] .

2.2 Maintenance/Continuation/Extended Treatment

Major Depressive Disorder — It is generally agreed that acute episodes of major depression require several months or longer of sustained pharmacologic therapy. Maintenance of efficacy in MDD was demonstrated with Duloxetine Delayed-release Capsules as monotherapy. Duloxetine Delayed-release Capsules should be administered at a total dose of 60 mg once daily. Patients should be periodically reassessed to determine the need for maintenance treatment and the appropriate dose for such treatment [see Clinical Studies (14.1)] .

Generalized Anxiety Disorder — It is generally agreed that episodes of generalized anxiety disorder require several months or longer of sustained pharmacological therapy. Maintenance of efficacy in GAD was demonstrated with Duloxetine Delayed-release Capsules as monotherapy. Duloxetine Delayed-release Capsules should be administered in a dose range of 60-120 mg once daily. Patients should be periodically reassessed to determine the continued need for maintenance treatment and the appropriate dose for such treatment [see Clinical Studies (14.2)] .

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain — As the progression of diabetic peripheral neuropathy is highly variable and management of pain is empirical, the effectiveness of Duloxetine Delayed-release Capsules must be assessed individually. Efficacy beyond 12 weeks has not been systematically studied in placebo-controlled trials.

Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain — The efficacy of Duloxetine Delayed-release Capsules has not been established in placebo-controlled studies beyond 13 weeks.

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