Cost of Cymbalta (Duloxetine)
The cost of Cymbalta (duloxetine) varies significantly depending on whether you use brand name or generic, with generic duloxetine being substantially more affordable at approximately $2-7 per month for a 30-day supply compared to brand name Cymbalta which costs approximately $843 per month. 1
Price Comparison: Brand vs Generic
Brand Name Cymbalta
- Average Wholesale Price (AWP): $843 ($781-$904) for a 30-day supply 1
- National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC): $722 for a 30-day supply 1
Generic Duloxetine
- Much more affordable option
- For common dosages (e.g., 60 mg daily), generic versions cost approximately:
- $2-7 per month for standard formulations 1
- Prices may vary by pharmacy, insurance coverage, and dosage
Cost Factors That Affect Price
Insurance Coverage
- Out-of-pocket costs vary significantly based on:
- Insurance plan type
- Formulary tier placement
- Deductibles and copays
- Whether duloxetine is preferred on your plan's formulary
Dosage Considerations
- Higher doses generally cost more
- Common dosages:
- 20 mg daily (starting dose for some conditions)
- 30 mg daily
- 60 mg daily (standard therapeutic dose)
- 120 mg daily (maximum dose)
Pharmacy Selection
- Prices can vary substantially between:
- Retail pharmacies
- Mail-order pharmacies
- Discount programs
- Pharmacy savings cards
Cost-Saving Strategies
Generic Alternatives
- Generic duloxetine is bioequivalent to Cymbalta and costs significantly less
- Switching from brand to generic can save hundreds of dollars monthly
Discount Programs
- Patient assistance programs through manufacturers
- GoodRx or similar discount cards
- Pharmacy membership programs
Therapeutic Alternatives
- Other SNRIs or antidepressants may be more affordable:
- Venlafaxine (generic Effexor) is often less expensive
- Some SSRIs like sertraline or fluoxetine may cost less than $5 per month
Cost Comparison to Similar Medications
- Vortioxetine vs. duloxetine: In a Norwegian study, vortioxetine had a slightly lower cost per successfully treated patient (NOK 3264) compared to duloxetine (NOK 3310) 2
- Other antidepressants like SSRIs are generally less expensive than brand-name SNRIs
Important Considerations
- The substantial price difference between brand and generic makes generic duloxetine the more economical choice for most patients
- Cost should be considered alongside efficacy, side effects, and individual patient factors
- Prices may change over time due to market factors and insurance formulary updates