Information for Friends and Family
Cymbalta is a non-narcotic pain reliever and is available only by prescription.
When you have a loved one with chronic osteoarthritis pain, you may not know what to do or how you can help. Caregivers can play a key role in helping someone with osteoarthritis. Some of the things you can do to show your support include:
Get educated about osteoarthritis.
There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but there are many treatment options available for the condition –including Cymbalta. Learn more about osteoarthritis treatment options. This information can then help your loved one talk with their doctor about what treatment option is best for them.
Cymbalta is approved for the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain due to chronic osteoarthritis pain. Cymbalta is a non-narcotic pain reliever and is available only by prescription. Learn more about managing chronic osteoarthritis pain with Cymbalta.
Remind your loved one to continue taking their medications.
If the doctor prescribes Cymbalta for your loved one's chronic osteoarthritis pain and your loved one is starting to feel better, he or she should not suddenly stop taking Cymbalta. If this happens, your friend or family member may experience dizziness, nausea, headache, or other potential side effects. The doctor may decide to steadily reduce his or her dose. To learn more, please review the Prescribing Information.
Encourage your loved one to talk to his or her doctor.
You can offer practical support for your loved one by making doctor's appointments and helping him or her attend them.
Ahead of time, you can also help your friend or family member by reviewing a list of questions to ask at his or her appointment. Prior to the appointment, you can help your loved one by having them complete the Chronic Osteoarthritis Pain Doctor Discussion Guide. By completing this interactive guide, he or she can talk openly and clearly about their pain with the doctor.
You can also offer to attend the appointment with your loved one, so you can take notes while he or she talks with the doctor.
Keep active together.
Exercise and weight loss are both treatment options that your loved one's doctor may recommend for his or her osteoarthritis. If the doctor recommends some activities for your friend or family member's condition, you can keep him or her company by exercising together. Just as your loved one should check with his or her doctor before starting an exercise program, you should also check with your own doctor.