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Generic Strattera
Due to a recent court ruling, generic Strattera may be available earlier than 2017, which was when the drug's patent was originally set to expire. However, the manufacturer plans to appeal this ruling; this could delay the introduction of a generic version. As is always the case, it is wise to avoid any so-called generic versions until an approved generic is available.
Strattera® (atomoxetine hydrochloride) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Strattera was the first nonstimulant approved to treat ADHD.
Strattera is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company. The medicine is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic Strattera from being manufactured. Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic Strattera," you may find a number of companies selling it. The fact is that these medicines may be fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. You should not buy any generic Strattera until there is an approved generic available.
In August 2010, the patent for Strattera (which was set to expire in 2017) was found to be invalid in a lawsuit between Eli Lilly and several generic manufacturers. This could mean that generic versions will be available shortly, although Eli Lilly plans to appeal the ruling.
The answer is no. Atomoxetine is the active ingredient in Strattera but is not a generic version of the medication. What can be confusing is that, oftentimes, the active ingredient of a drug is referred to as its "generic name." The generic name of a medicine is different from a generic version of it. In order for there to be a generic version of a drug, the original medication must have gone off patent and another company besides the original manufacturer must have made the product.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD