Generic Ritalin LA

Three of the four strengths of Ritalin LA (methylphenidate extended-release) are available in generic form. The only strength not available as a generic is the 10-mg strength. The FDA has given all of the generic versions an "AB" rating, which means they are considered equivalent to the brand-name drug.

Ritalin LA Information

Can I Buy Generic Ritalin LA?

Ritalin LA^® (methylphenidate extended-release) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The drug is a stimulant, although it has effects that are opposite from what would be expected of a stimulant. While stimulants (like caffeine) can cause hyperactivity, Ritalin LA has a calming effect in the doses used to treat ADHD.

The medication is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals. However, it is also available in generic form.

Availability of Generic Ritalin LA

Generic Ritalin LA capsules are available in three strengths:

Methylphenidate extended-release 20 mg capsules
Methylphenidate extended-release 30 mg capsules
Methylphenidate extended-release 40 mg capsules.

At this time, generic Ritalin LA is made by Actavis, Inc. A generic version of Ritalin LA 10 mg capsules is not yet available, for reasons that are unclear.

Is Generic Methylphenidate Extended-Release as Good as Ritalin LA?

All generic medications must undergo certain tests to compare them to brand-name medications. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) then looks at these tests to decide if the generics are equivalent to the brand-name medications and assigns a rating to each one.

An "AB" rating means that the FDA has determined that a generic medication is equivalent to a brand-name medication. Generic Ritalin LA has an "AB" rating, meaning it should be equivalent to Ritalin LA.

However, generic medications are allowed to have different inactive ingredients than the brand-name medication. This might include fillers, dyes, or other ingredients that may cause problems for people with allergies or sensitivities.

Also note that there are many different methylphenidate extended-release products, some that come in capsules and in the same strength as Ritalin LA. Many of these other products are not equivalent to Ritalin LA-- they are equivalent to other brand-name products. Your pharmacist can verify that any particular methylphenidate extended-release product is (or is not) equivalent to Ritalin LA if you are concerned.