Generic Keppra

There is currently no generic Keppra available because it is protected by a patent. Even though the patent for Keppra expires in 2008, the manufacturer of the drug holds the exclusive rights to market Keppra until at least March 2010. This is the earliest date that a generic version of Keppra could become available.

 

Generic Keppra: An Overview

Keppra® (levetiracetam) is a prescription epilepsy medication. Specifically, Keppra is approved for use in combination with other seizure medications to treat partial seizures, myoclonic seizures, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures (also known as grand mal seizures).
 
Currently, Keppra is manufactured by UCB, Inc. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Keppra from being manufactured in the United States. Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic Keppra," you may find a number of companies selling it. The fact is that these medicines may be fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. There may be generic Keppra available from another country, but there is really no way of knowing if you are getting genuine Keppra or not. Therefore, you should not buy any generic Keppra until there is an approved generic available.
 

When Will Generic Keppra Be Available?

Even though the patent for Keppra expires in 2008, UCB holds the exclusive rights to market Keppra until at least March 2010. By law, the manufacturers can be given extended periods of exclusivity if they choose to perform pediatric studies (studies of the medication in children). This is done to encourage manufacturers to adequately study medications in children (which was not done in the past). Additionally, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend the exclusivity period of Keppra beyond 2010. This could include things such as other patents for specific Keppra uses or lawsuits.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;