Generic Requip XL

At this time, no generic Requip XL (ropinirole XL) products are available in the United States. The patent for the medication is set to expire in June 2012. However, things such as lawsuits or other patents for specific uses of Requip XL could extend or shorten the exclusivity period of the medication. Once the patent expires, several companies may manufacture a generic Requip XL medication.

 

An Overview of Generic Requip XL

Requip® XL (ropinirole XL) is a prescription medication approved to treat Parkinson's disease. It is a long-acting medication designed to be taken just once a day.
 
Requip XL is made by GlaxoSmithKline. At this time, there is no generic Requip XL.
 

When Will Generic Requip XL Be Available?

The United States patent for Requip XL is currently set to expire in June 2012. However, situations could arise that extend or shorten the exclusivity period of the medication. This could include such things as lawsuits or other patents for specific Requip XL uses. Once the patent expires, other manufacturers may be allowed to make generic versions of Requip XL.
 

Is Ropinirole a Generic for Requip XL?

The answer is no. Ropinirole is the active ingredient in Requip XL (as well as the short-acting version, Requip®), but it is not a generic version of Requip XL. 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 would make the product.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;