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Generic Intuniv
Because it is still protected by a patent, Intuniv (guanfacine ER) is only available as a brand-name drug. However, this patent is expected to expire in September 2015. Once the patent expires (and provided there are no lawsuits or other patents to extend the exclusivity period), other companies are likely to start manufacturing generic Intuniv.
Intuniv™ (guanfacine ER) is a prescription ADHD medication. It belongs to a group of drugs known as alpha-2a agonists.
Intuniv is made by Shire Pharmaceuticals, Inc. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic versions from being manufactured in the United States.
The first patent for Intuniv currently expires in September 2015. This is the earliest predictable date that a generic version of Intuniv could become available. However, other circumstances could come up to extend or shorten this exclusivity period. This could include such things as lawsuits or patents for other Intuniv uses. Once the patent expires, several companies are expected to manufacture generic Intuniv.
Is Guanfacine ER a Generic Intuniv?
No -- guanfacine ER is the active ingredient in Intuniv, but is not a generic version of it. What can be confusing is that oftentimes, the active ingredient of any drug is referred to as the "generic name." The generic name is different from 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 must make the product.
Short-acting guanfacine (Tenex®) is not the same as Intuniv and is not approved to treat ADHD.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD