A recent study compared the efficacy, safety, and dosage pattern of Duloxetine (DLX) and Pregabalin (PGB) in peripheral neuropathy pain in type 2 diabetic patients. It used a low dosage of both drugs to measure the outcomes.

The study randomized the enrolled patients into two equal groups: Pregabalin and duloxetine. It used empty capsules filled with duloxetine, Pregabalin, or starch as a placebo. Initially, the duloxetine group received a placebo capsule once daily as a washout period for ten days. Later, they received a fixed dose of 30 mg/d duloxetine in the first week of treatment and different doses of 30 mg/d to 60 mg/d for the next eleven weeks based on drug efficacy and tolerability. However, the pregabalin group received a placebo capsule twice daily for ten days as a washout period. Later, they received 75 mg/BD for the first week of treatment and 75 mg/Bd to 150 mg/Bd for the next eleven weeks.

The study found 74% ADRs in the duloxetine group while 37% in the pregabalin group. Both groups showed a significant mean difference related to incidents. Some cases showed mild and tolerable adverse reactions; however, severe reactions led to discontinuation of the drug. 19% of cases of the duloxetine group showed treatment discontinuation, while PGB reported only 7% treatment discontinuation.

Thus, despite the equal efficacy of Pregabalin and duloxetine, Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Peripheral Neuropathy Pain have better tolerability for Pregabalin than duloxetine.

Shabbir S, Islam A, Zohaib A, Fatima T, Riaz S, Malik U. Comparison of Efficacy of Pregabalin Vs. Duloxetine in Peripheral Neuropathy Pain in Type 2 Diabetic Patients at Low Doses. Pakistan Journal of Medical & Health Sciences. 2022(16):6.DOI: https://doi.org/10.53350/pjmhs22166834