Does Cymbalta cause gout? (+5 factors)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss whether Cymbalta causes gout. We will also discuss the factors that may increase the risk of gout while taking Cymbalta. Additionally, we will discuss the management of gout.
Does Cymbalta cause gout?
No, Cymbalta does not cause gout. Cymbalta has a well-tolerated safety profile with mild to moderate adverse effects. While it may cause nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, headache, and fatigue, there is no evidence linking Cymbalta to gout.
Cymbalta is an antidepressant medication that works by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. The elevated levels of these neurotransmitters are responsible for the regulation of mood as well as the reduction of various symptoms of anxiety, depression, and fibromyalgia (1).
Cymbalta is also prescribed for managing pain in individuals with gouty arthritis or osteoarthritis. However, it does not cause or exacerbate gout in these individuals. This medication is also safe to be used in elderly patients with comorbid depression and arthritis (2).
What does research suggest?
Cymbalta is known for its exceptional tolerability and favorable adverse effect profile. There is currently no established evidence linking Cymbalta to the development of gout. However, it is important to note that individual responses to medication can vary. Therefore, those considering Cymbalta as a treatment option should engage in open discussions with their healthcare providers regarding any concerns or potential side effects.
It is important to note that research studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Cymbalta in managing joint pain associated with gout and arthritis, highlighting its potential therapeutic benefits in these conditions (2).
What factors can contribute to gout while taking Cymbalta?
Several factors may increase the risk of gout while taking Cymbalta. However, these factors may not be necessarily linked to the use of Cymbalta. These factors may include:
Concurrent medications: Gout is a potential side effect of many medications such as aspirin and ethambutal. While Cymbalta is not associated with causing gout, the concurrent use of these medications with Cymbalta might increase the risk of gout (3).
Medical history: An individual with pre-existing medical conditions such as hyperuricemia, kidney disease, obesity, or hyperlipidemia, increases the risk of gout while taking Cymbalta.
Age and gender: According to research, the risk of gout increases with age, and it is more prevalent in elderly women than men.
Diet: Unhealthy dietary choices such as excessive use of purine-containing meals including red meat and seafood may increase the levels of uric acid in the body. The elevated uric acid may accumulate in the joints causing gout.
How do you manage gout while taking Cymbalta?
If you experience any symptoms of gout while taking Cymbalta, it is crucial to consult your healthcare provider immediately for a comprehensive evaluation. Your healthcare provider may assess your condition and recommend laboratory tests to diagnose gout accurately.
Once diagnosed, your healthcare provider may determine the cause of your gout and make necessary changes to your treatment plan accordingly. If the underlying cause of your gout is associated with any drug interactions, your healthcare provider may adjust the dosage or recommend an alternative to Cymbalta.
However, it is essential to never stop taking Cymbalta without consulting your healthcare provider, as it may lead to potentially serious withdrawal effects.
Which medications can be used for gout?
Your healthcare provider may prescribe you some medications for the management of symptoms of gout. Medication that may be used to treat gout and its associated symptoms may include:
- Colchicine
- Allopurinol
- Probenecid
- Prednisone
- Analgesics (for pain)
It is important to note that the choice of specific medication for gout can be made by considering the individual response to medications as well as the severity of symptoms of gout.
To my knowledge, there is no evidence suggesting that Cymbalta causes gout, and no clinically reported cases have established a link between Cymbalta and gout. However, If you experience any unusual symptoms that may occur while taking Cymbalta, report it to your healthcare provider immediately and always follow their directions to ensure the safety of treatment.
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References
1.-
Dhaliwal JS, Spurling BC, Molla M. Duloxetine. 2023 May 29. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 31747213. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31747213/
2.-
Sofat N, Harrison A, Russell MD, Ayis S, Kiely PD, Baker EH, Barrick TR, Howe FA. The effect of pregabalin or duloxetine on arthritis pain: a clinical and mechanistic study in people with hand osteoarthritis. J Pain Res. 2017 Oct 10;10:2437-2449. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S147640. Erratum in: J Pain Res. 2017 Dec 15;10 :2843. PMID: 29066930; PMCID: PMC5644551.
3.-
Scott JT. Drug-induced gout. Baillieres Clin Rheumatol. 1991 Apr;5(1):39-60. doi: 10.1016/s0950-3579(05)80295-x. PMID: 2070427. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2070427/
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