Generic Concerta: An Overview
Concerta® (
methylphenidate extended release) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (
ADHD). Concerta is a medication that is designed to be released slowly over time. Because the medication is released slowly, it can be taken just once a day, eliminating the need to take medication at school or work.
Concerta is manufactured by ALZA Corporation, and is distributed and marketed by McNeil Pediatrics. Concerta is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic Concerta from being manufactured. Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic Concerta," you may find a number of companies selling it. The fact is that these medicines are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. You should not buy any generic Concerta until there is an approved generic available.
When Will There Be a Generic Concerta?
The first patent for Concerta currently expires in 2018. This is the earliest date that a generic version of Concerta could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend the exclusivity period of Concerta beyond 2018. This could include things such as other patents for specific
Concerta uses or lawsuits. Once Concerta goes off patent, there may be several companies that manufacture a generic Concerta drug.
Is Methylphenidate a Generic Concerta?
No, it isn't.
Methylphenidate is the active ingredient in Concerta (and several other medications), but it is not a generic version of Concerta. Oftentimes, 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 then another company (besides the original manufacturer) would make the product.
