Generic Donepezil

There is currently no generic donepezil available on the market. The drug is presently protected by a patent, but several drug companies are expected to begin manufacturing a generic version after the patent expires in 2010. It is important to know that there are a number of companies claiming to sell generic donepezil products, and that these medicines are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. Do not buy any generic donepezil drug until an approved version is available.

 

Is a Generic Donepezil Available?

Donepezil (Aricept®) is a prescription medication that is used to treat the symptoms of mild, moderate, and severe Alzheimer's disease. It is not a cure for Alzheimer's, but it can help improve memory, attention, reason, language, and the ability to perform simple tasks.
 
Donepezil is manufactured by Eisai Inc and is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic donepezil products from being manufactured. If you search the Internet for "generic donepezil," however, you will find a number of companies selling it. The fact is that these medicines are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. You should not buy any generic donepezil until there is an approved version available.
 

When Will There Be a Generic Donepezil?

The patent for donepezil currently expires in November 2010. It is expected that once donepezil goes off patent, several companies will begin manufacturing a generic donepezil drug. Normally in the United States, one company is given 180 days of exclusivity to manufacture a generic version. After 180 days, it would be expected that a number of other manufacturers of generic medications will also begin making a generic donepezil.
 

Is Donepezil the Same as Generic Donepezil?

The answer is no. Oftentimes, the active ingredient of any drug is referred to as the "generic name." Donepezil hydrochloride, in this case, is the active ingredient but is not actually a generic version of the medicine. It is important to keep in mind that the generic name is different than a generic version of a medicine. In order for there to be a generic version of a medicine, the original medicine must have gone off patent and another company besides the original manufacturer must make the new product.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;