Generic Tegretol

Although a patent currently prevents any generic Tegretol XR from being manufactured until February 2011, the patents for regular Tegretol tablets (including the chewable tablets) and Tegretol suspension have expired, and generic versions are now available. The FDA has assigned an "AB" rating to generic Tegretol, which means that it is considered equivalent to the brand-name version.

 

Tegretol Generic: An Overview

Tegretol® (carbamazepine) is a prescription medication that is used to treat epilepsy and trigeminal neuralgia.
 
Tegretol is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Currently, extended-release Tegretol XR tablets are protected by a patent that protects any generic Tegretol XR from being made in the United States. The patents for regular Tegretol tablets (including the chewable tablets) and Tegretol suspension have expired, and these medications are available in generic forms.
 

When Will Generic Tegretol XR Be Available?

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

Strengths of Generic Tegretol

Generic Tegretol is available in the following strengths and forms:
 
  • Carbamazepine 100 mg chewable tablets
  • Carbamazepine 200 mg tablets
  • Carbamazepine suspension 100 mg per 5 mL (100 mg per teaspoonful).
     
One generic manufacturer has chosen to give its generic version of Tegretol 200 mg tablets a new name: Epitol 200 mg tablets. These tablets are equivalent to Tegretol 200 mg tablets.
 
(Generic Tegretol Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;