Generic Apokyn

At this time, no generic Apokyn (apomorphine) products are available. Vernalis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. holds the rights to exclusively market Apokyn until at least April 2011. This is the earliest predictable date that a generic Apokyn could become available, unless there are lawsuits or other FDA-approved uses of the medication that delay or shorten that date.

 

Apokyn Generic: An Overview

Apokyn® (apomorphine hydrochloride) is a prescription Parkinson's disease medication. Specifically, it is used to help reverse the symptoms of "off" episodes (periods of muscle stiffness, slow movements, and trouble initiating movements). It is given as an injection just under the skin.
 
Apokyn is made by Vernalis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. At this time, there is no generic Apokyn available.
 

When Will Generic Apokyn Be Available?

Vernalis Pharmaceuticals holds the exclusive rights to market Apokyn until at least April 2011. This is the earliest expected date that a generic version of Apokyn could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to shorten or extend the exclusivity period. This could include such things as lawsuits or new FDA-approved Apokyn uses. Once Apokyn goes off patent, there may be several companies that manufacture a generic version.
 

Is Apomorphine the Same as Generic Apokyn?

No -- apomorphine is the active ingredient in Apokyn, but it is not a generic version of it. What can be confusing is that, oftentimes, the active ingredient of a 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.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;