An Overview of Generic Depakote
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.