Researchers in the study analyzed records of 231 patients who reported experiencing pain during chemotherapy. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups in the five-week study: one received Cymbalta while the other received a placebo. After five weeks of treatment, 59 percent of patients taking Cymbalta reported reduced pain, compared to 39 percent of patients taking the placebo.
“The drug doesn’t work in everyone,” said study author Ellen M. Lavoie Smith. “The good news is it worked in the majority of patients. We need to figure out who are the responders. If we can predict who they are, we can target the treatment to the people it’s going to work for.”
Related Articles on Pain Management:
Exercise Can Reduce Nerve Pain, Study Says
New Tennessee Law Requires Physicians to Use Drug Monitoring Database
4 Steps to Greater Collaboration Between Pain Management & Primary Care
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.
