Generic Sinemet CR

There is a generic version of Sinemet CR (carbidopa-levodopa CR). Generic Sinemet CR is available in two strengths, carbidopa-levodopa CR 25-100 mg and carbidopa-levodopa CR 50-200 mg. The FDA has assigned these generic versions of Sinemet CR an "AB" rating, meaning the generics should be equivalent to the brand-name medication. However, generic Sinemet CR may have different inactive ingredients than the brand-name drug.

 

Generic Sinemet CR: An Overview

Sinemet® CR (carbidopa-levodopa CR) is a prescription Parkinson's disease medication. It is also approved to treat Parkinson-like symptoms due to certain causes. Sinemet CR tablets are extended-release, providing for more even blood levels of the medication, compared to immediate-release Sinemet tablets.
 
Brand-name Sinemet CR is made by Merck & Co., Inc. and is marketed by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. However, it has come off patent and is available as a generic.
 

Strengths of Generic Sinemet CR

Generic Sinemet CR is available in the following strengths:
 

Who Makes Generic Sinemet CR?

Generic Sinemet CR is made by the following companies:
 
  • Apotex Corp.
  • Ethex Corporation
  • Global Pharmaceuticals
  • Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  • UDL Laboratories, Inc.
     

Is Generic Carbidopa-Levodopa CR as Good as Sinemet CR?

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 each generic a rating. An "AB" rating means that the FDA has determined that a generic medication is equivalent to a brand-name medication. All of the generic Sinemet CR versions currently available have an "AB" rating, meaning they should be equivalent to Sinemet CR.
 
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.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;