Is there a generic for Cymbalta?

Yes — 7 approved generic versions of Cymbalta (duloxetine) are tracked in our index. Generic substitution is typically automatic at the pharmacy unless the prescriber writes "dispense as written."

How much cheaper is generic duloxetine?

Generic small-molecule drugs typically launch at 60-80% discount to the originator. After multiple manufacturers enter the market (12-24 months post-cliff), prices drop further to 85-95% below originator. Your insurance copay may not reflect the full savings — check the cash price too.

Are generics as effective as the brand?

For small-molecule drugs: yes. Generics are required to demonstrate bioequivalence — identical active ingredient, same dose, same route, same indication. Pharmacokinetic equivalence within tight bounds (±20% AUC + Cmax). Most patients can switch without clinical effect.

When did Cymbalta go generic?

Generic duloxetine entered the US market when the originator's exclusivity expired. See the patent timeline below for specific dates.

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 · How we verify

Cymbalta generic

Complete generic competition for Cymbalta (duloxetine): 7 approved generics across manufacturers, 0 filed under FDA review. Sourced from FDA Orange Book + USPTO.

7 approved generics Patents expired

About Cymbalta

Cymbalta (duloxetine) — originally marketed by Eli Lilly and Company. Class: Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). First approved 2004-08-03.

Approved generic versions (7)

Generic	Manufacturer	Phase
Duloxetine - low dose	Boehringer Ingelheim	marketed
Duloxetine Hydrochloride Capsules	Pfizer	marketed
Duloxetine (Cymbalta)	New York State Psychiatric Institute	marketed
Duloxetine 60mg	Ain Shams University	marketed
Duloxetine 20 MG	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey	marketed
Duloxetine hydrochloride - 60 mg	Eli Lilly and Company	marketed
Duloxetine or escitalopram	New York State Psychiatric Institute	marketed

Originator patent timeline

Active patents (0)

No active patents tracked.

Expired patents (0)

No expired patents tracked.

How small-molecule generic approval works

Generic versions of small-molecule drugs are approved by the FDA via the Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) pathway under the Hatch-Waxman Act of 1984. Sponsors must demonstrate bioequivalence (pharmacokinetic equivalence within tight bounds) and identical chemical composition — no clinical trials in patients are required. Approval typically takes 18-24 months.

This is different from biosimilars for biologic drugs, which use the more complex 351(k) BLA pathway and typically achieve smaller (15-35%) discounts vs the originator. Small-molecule generics typically launch at 60-80% discount, dropping to 85-95% within 2 years.

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Cymbalta full drug profile
Biosimilar tracker (for biologic drugs)
Patent cliff tracker
Biosimilar vs generic — what's the difference?