Posted by Phillipa on July 11, 2008, at 16:50:56
In reply to Cymbalta + liver damage, posted by Jamal Spelling on July 11, 2008, at 15:54:55
Seems the warning was issued especially to those with pre existing liver damage. I'd get periodically checked and continue if it's working. Phillips The Fda warning:
FDA Issues Liver Warning for Cymbalta
Miranda Hitti
Information from Industry
Assess clinically focused product information on Medscape.
Click Here for Product Infosites -- Information from Industry.
Oct. 17, 2005 -- The FDA and Eli Lilly and Co. have issued a new warning about Cymbalta, a drug used to treat depression and pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy."Postmarketing reports of liver injury (including hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice) suggest that patients with pre-existing liver disease who take [Cymbalta] may have an increased risk for further liver damage," says the FDA.
New labeling will extend the precaution against using Cymbalta in patients with substantial alcohol use to include those with chronic liver disease.
"It is recommended that Cymbalta not be administered to patients with any [liver] insufficiency," says the FDA.
Maker's Letter to Doctors
About a million people have taken Cymbalta since the drug's approval in 2004, according to a letter to doctors sent by Lilly, Cymbalta's maker.
"Among these, several cases of [liver] injury have been spontaneously reported," states Lilly's letter.
"Some of these patients had underlying liver disease. Review of these cases suggests that patients with underlying chronic liver disease may be at increased risk of [liver] toxicity with [Cymbalta]," the letter continues.
Lilly is a WebMD sponsor.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of liver damage can include dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), itchiness, abdominal tenderness in the liver area, or unexplained flu-like symptoms. Elevations of liver enzymes may be found on blood tests.
Lilly asks that any questions about the warning be directed to Lilly's medical department at (800) Lilly-Rx ((800) 545-5979).
poster:Phillipa
thread:839286
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