Generic Relpax

There is currently no generic version of Relpax available in the United States because it is protected by a patent. The first patent for Relpax expires in 2013, at which time a generic Relpax could be manufactured. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend that date past 2013, such as lawsuits. While generic Relpax may be available in other countries, there is really no way to determine if such products are genuine.

 

Generic Relpax: An Overview

Relpax® (eletriptan hydrobromide) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat migraine headaches. Relpax is part of a class of migraine medications called 5-HT agonists (or more commonly known as "triptans").
 
Relpax is manufactured by Pfizer. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Relpax from being manufactured in the United States. There may, however, be a generic version of Relpax available from another country, but there is really no way of knowing if such medications are genuine. Therefore, you should not buy any generic Relpax until there is an approved generic available.
 

When Will the Relpax Patent Expire?

The first patent for Relpax currently expires in 2013. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of Relpax could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend the exclusivity period of Relpax beyond 2013. This could include things such as other patents for specific Relpax uses or lawsuits. Once Relpax goes off patent, there may be several companies that manufacture a generic Relpax drug.
 

Is Eletriptan a Generic Relpax?

The answer is no. Eletriptan is the active ingredient in Relpax, but it is not a generic version of Relpax. 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;