Generic Keppra XR

The epilepsy drug Keppra XR (levetiracetam XR) is no longer protected by patents; it is now sold in both brand-name and generic form. The generic versions are available in two strengths. The FDA has assigned these generics an "AB" rating, meaning they are considered equivalent to the brand-name medication. However, generic medications may contain different inactive ingredients than the brand-name drug.

Keppra XR Drug Information

Can I Buy Generic Keppra XR?

Keppra XR™ (levetiracetam XR) is a prescription epilepsy medication. Specifically, Keppra XR is approved to be used in combination with other seizure medications to treat partial seizures. It is a long-acting medication that is taken just once a day.

Brand-name Keppra XR is manufactured by UCB, Inc. However, the patents for Keppra XR have expired, and Keppra XR is now available in generic form.

Available Strengths

Like the brand-name medication, generic Keppra XR is available in the two following strengths:

Levetiracetam XR 500 mg tablets
Levetiracetam XR 750 mg tablets.

Generic Keppra XR is made by various manufacturers, such as Apotex Corp, Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and Watson Laboratories.

Is Generic Levetiracetam XR as Good as Keppra XR?

All generic medications must undergo certain tests to compare them to brand-name medications.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) then looks at these tests to decide if the generics are equivalent to the brand-name medications and assigns a rating to each one.

An "AB" rating means that the FDA has determined that a generic medication is equivalent to a brand-name medication. All of the generic versions of levetiracetam XR currently available have an "AB" rating, meaning they should be equivalent to Keppra XR.

However, generic medications are allowed to have different inactive ingredients than the brand-name medication. This might include fillers, dyes, or other ingredients that may cause problems for people with allergies or sensitivities.