Generic Equetro

A patent currently prohibits any generic Equetro from being manufactured until May 2024, when the patent expires. This is the earliest date that a generic Equetro may become available. Among the circumstances that could push this date past 2024 are lawsuits and other patents for specific uses for the drug. Once the patent expires, however, several companies will likely begin manufacturing a generic Equetro.

 

An Overview of Generic Equetro

Equetro® (carbamazepine) is a prescription medication that is approved for treating bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression).
 
Equetro is manufactured by Shire US, Inc. Currently, Equetro is protected by a patent that prevents any generic Equetro from being made in the United States.
 

When Will Generic Equetro Be Available?

The first patent for Equetro (for treating bipolar disorder) is currently set to expire in May 2024. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of Equetro could become available. However, certain circumstances could extend this exclusivity period beyond 2024. These circumstances could include things such as lawsuits or other patents for specific Equetro uses. Once the patent expires, several companies will likely begin manufacturing generic Equetro.
 

Is Carbamazepine a Generic Equetro?

The answer is no. Carbamazepine is the active ingredient in Equetro (and several other products), but it is not a generic version of Equetro. What can be confusing is that, oftentimes, the active ingredient of a drug is referred to as the "generic name." 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 have made the product.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;