Renal dosing removed temporarily, refer to Renal Dosing Policy via Policy Finder on GHS Connect

From Eli Lilly and Company: Cymbalta capsules are acid-labile and therefore should be swallowed whole and not chewed or crushed. The capsules contain enteric-coated pellets which are designed to prevent the degradation of the drug in the acidic environment of the stomach and to dissolve at a pH of approximately 5.5. Data from stability testing showed that the enteric coated pellets of one 20 mg Cymbalta capsule will remain stable at room temperature for up to 2 hours when mixed with 2 tablespoonfuls of Mott's applesauce or 2 tablespoonfuls of Mott's 100% apple juice and will quantitatively allow delivery of the full capsule dose. Therefore applesauce and apple juice are acceptable means of drug delivery [note water is not]. Dissolution of the enteric-coated pellets of one 20 mg Cymbalta capsule in 2 tablespoonfuls of Kraft Handi-Snacks chocolate pudding revealed that exposure of the pellets to the pudding impacts the performance of the enteric coating causing significant release of the drug. Consequently, chocolate pudding and any other food with the same apparent pH or higher should not be used as a vehicle to administer Cymbalta to patients.

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