Generic Imitrex

It is difficult to tell when generic versions of Imitrex will be available. However, it is likely that generic Imitrex injection will be available sometime in 2008, while generic Imitrex tablets will be available in 2009. You should not buy any generic Imitrex drug until an approved generic is available.

 

Generic Imitrex: An Overview

Imitrex® (sumatriptan succinate) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat migraine headaches. It is part of a group of migraine medications known as 5-HT agonists (or more commonly called "triptans").
 
Imitrex is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. It is currently under the protection of patents that prevent any generic Imitrex from being manufactured in the United States. Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic Imitrex," you may find a number of companies selling it. The fact is that these medicines could be fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. There may be generic Imitrex available from another country, but there is really no way of knowing if you are getting genuine Imitrex or not. You should not buy any generic Imitrex until there is an approved generic available.
 

When Will the Imitrex Patent Expire?

The first patent for Imitrex expired on June 28, 2007. However, this date has passed, and there are no generic versions of Imitrex yet. It is difficult to predict when exactly generic Imitrex will be available. Most likely, generic Imitrex injection will be available sometime in 2008, and generic Imitrex tablets will be available in 2009. There are no good estimates for when generic Imitrex nasal spray may be available.
 
It is difficult to say with certainty when generic Imitrex will be available, as it depends on several factors. There have already been several lawsuits and settlements over Imitrex between GlaxoSmithKline and several generic manufacturers. These settlements, as well as future lawsuits, will determine when exactly generic Imitrex will be available.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;