Generic Azilect

There are currently no generic Azilect (rasagiline mesylate) products available. As soon as the patent for Azilect expires in February 2012, several drug companies are likely to begin manufacturing a generic version of the medication. It is important not to confuse rasagiline with generic Azilect; rasagiline is the active ingredient in Azilect, not a generic version of it.

Azilect Drug Information

Generic Azilect: An Overview

Azilect^® (rasagiline mesylate) is a prescription Parkinson's disease medication. It belongs to a group of medications known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

Azilect is made by Teva Neuroscience, Inc. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Azilect from being manufactured or sold in the United States.

When Will Generic Azilect Be Available?

The first patent for Azilect currently expires in February 2012. This is the earliest foreseeable date that a generic version of Azilect could become available. However, other circumstances could come up to extend or shorten this exclusivity period. This could include such things as lawsuits or other patents for specific Azilect uses. Once the patent expires, several companies likely will begin manufacturing a generic Azilect drug.

Is Rasagiline the Same as Generic Azilect?

No -- rasagiline is the active ingredient in Azilect, 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.