Generic Gabitril

Gabitril is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Gabitril from being manufactured in the United States. The earliest possible date that a generic version of the drug could become available is September 2011, when the drug's first patent expires. However, lawsuits or patents for specific uses could cause a further delay in the approval and production of generic Gabitril.

Gabitril Medication Information

Generic Gabitril: An Overview

Gabitril^® (tiagabine hydrochloride) is a prescription medication that is used to treat epilepsy. In particular, the drug is approved to be used with other seizure medications to treat certain types of seizures (partial seizures or focal seizures) in people with epilepsy.

Gabitril is manufactured by Cephalon, Inc. This epilepsy medication is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Gabitril from being manufactured in the United States.

When Will Generic Gabitril Be Available?

The first patent for Gabitril currently expires in September 2011. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of the drug could become available. However, circumstances could extend this exclusivity period beyond 2011. This could include such things as lawsuits or other patents for specific Gabitril uses. Once the patent expires, several companies will likely begin manufacturing generic Gabitril.

Is Tiagabine a Generic Gabitril?

No -- tiagabine is the active ingredient in Gabitril, 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 the "generic name." The generic name is different from 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 product.