Duloxetine 1 year on: the long-term outcome of a cohort of women prescribed duloxetine

Abstract

This aim of this study was to determine the long-term persistence with duloxetine in a cohort of women treated for stress incontinence and any alternative treatments undertaken. Two hundred twenty-eight women prescribed duloxetine were initially reviewed after 4 weeks of treatment. Women continuing therapy were reassessed at 4 and 6 months and 1 year with a review of all treatments after 1 year. At each visit, they were asked about persistence with duloxetine, reasons for discontinuation and any alternative treatments. Seventy-one (31%) women continued beyond 4 weeks of treatment, and twenty-six (12%) were taking duloxetine 4 months later, 23 (10%) at 6 months and 21 (9%) at 1 year. One year later, 187 (82%) women had a tension-free vaginal tape operation (TVT). The majority of women discontinued because of side effects (56%) or lack of efficacy (33%). Few women persevere with duloxetine beyond 4 months. One year later, the majority of women had a TVT.