Generic Amerge

There is no approved generic version of Amerge available in the United States because the medication is protected by a patent. The earliest that a generic Amerge could become available in the U.S. is in 2010, when the first patent protecting Amerge expires. However, it's possible that certain circumstances could arise (such as lawsuits) that prevent a generic form of Amerge from being available at that time.

 

Generic Amerge: An Overview

Amerge® (naratriptan hydrochloride) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat migraine headaches. The drug is part of a class of migraine medications called 5-HT agonists (or more commonly known as "triptans").
 
Amerge is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Amerge from being manufactured in the United States. There may, however, be generic versions of Amerge available from other countries, but there is really no way of knowing if such medications are genuine. You should not buy any generic Amerge until there is an approved generic available.
 

When Will the Amerge Patent Expire?

The first patent for Amerge currently expires in 2010. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of Amerge could become available. However, there are circumstances that could arise to extend the exclusivity period of Amerge beyond 2010. This could include things such as other patents for specific Amerge uses or lawsuits. Once Amerge goes off patent, there may be several companies that manufacture a generic Amerge drug.
 

Is Naratriptan a Generic Amerge?

No. Naratriptan is the active ingredient in Amerge, but it is not a generic version of Amerge. What can be confusing is that, often, 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) would make the product.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;