Generic Depakote

At this point, there are no generic Depakote medicines available on the market. However, when the patent for Depakote delayed-release tablets and Depakote Sprinkle capsules expires in January 2008, generic forms of these products could become available. Also, the patent for long-acting Depakote ER expires in December 2018, at which time other drug companies may begin manufacturing a generic Depakote ER product.

 

An Overview of Generic Depakote

Depakote® (divalproex sodium) is a prescription medication that is used to treat epilepsy and mania associated with bipolar disorder. It is also used for migraine prevention.
 
Depakote is manufactured by Abbott Pharmaceuticals. This epilepsy medication is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Depakote from being manufactured in the United States.
 

When Will Generic Depakote Be Available?

The first patent for regular Depakote delayed-release tablets and Depakote® Sprinkle capsules expires in January 2008. For long-acting Depakote ER®, the first patent expires in December 2018. These are the earliest possible dates that generic versions of Depakote could become available. However, certain circumstances could extend this exclusivity period beyond these dates. These circumstances could include things such as lawsuits or other patents for specific Depakote uses. Once the patent expires, several companies will most likely begin manufacturing generic Depakote.
 

Is Divalproex a Generic Depakote?

No -- divalproex is the active ingredient in Depakote but is not a generic version of it. What can be confusing is that, oftentimes, the active ingredient of any drug is referred to as its "generic name." The generic name of a medicine is different from a generic version of it. 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 have made the product.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;