CompletedNot Applicable

Duloxetine for PHN

China750 participantsStarted 2021-03-01

Plain-language summary

In this study, the investigators aim to investigate the preventive efficacy of prophylactic oral duloxetine during acute herpes zoster on postherpetic neuralgia and its safety.

Who can participate

Age range

50 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * ages more than 50 years; * diagnosed with uncomplicated acute herpes zoster; * presents with vesicles within 72 hours; * has an average pain score of at least 40/100 mm on a visual analog scale (VAS, 0 = no pain, 100 = worst possible pain, at opposite ends of a 100-mm line). Exclusion Criteria: * refuses to participate or to provide written informed consent; * Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale raw score of more than 50 points; * herpes zoster that involves with head, neck, ocular, mucous membrane, cranial nerve, or central nervous system; * has hemorrhagic or necrotizing lesions, satellite lesions, abnormal vesicles or acute retinal necrosis; * has been on immunosuppressive therapy or mono- or multi-pharmacotherapy that involves any tricyclic antidepressant, valacyclovir, duloxetine or cytotoxic medications before acute HZ onset; * has been diagnosed with hepatic, renal or immune dysfunction; * during pregnancy or breastfeeding at the time; * hypersensitivity to the study drugs; * has contraindications to valacyclovir or duloxetine; * HZ vaccinated.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Preventive efficacy of Postherpetic neuralgia

Timeframe: 12 weeks after the reactivation of acute herpes zoster

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04313335

SponsorBeijing Tiantan Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2023-05-16

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Postherpetic Neuralgia trials

Who can participate

Age range

50 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.