Generic Seroquel XR

A patent currently prohibits any generic Seroquel XR from being manufactured in the United States until May 2017 (when the patent expires). However, lawsuits or patents for specific uses for the drug could extend this date. While some companies may claim to sell a generic Seroquel XR, you should be advised that these drugs may be fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous.

 

An Overview of Generic Seroquel XR

Seroquel XR® (quetiapine XR) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat schizophrenia. It is a long-acting version of Seroquel.
 
Seroquel XR is manufactured by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals and is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic Seroquel XR from being manufactured in the United States. However, if you search the Internet for "generic Seroquel XR," 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 Seroquel XR until there is an approved generic available.
 

When Will There Be a Generic Seroquel XR?

The patent for Seroquel XR currently expires in May 2017. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of Seroquel XR could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend the exclusivity period of Seroquel XR beyond 2017. These circumstances could include things such as lawsuits or other patents for specific Seroquel XR uses. Once Seroquel XR goes off patent, there may be several companies that manufacture a generic Seroquel XR drug.
 

Is Quetiapine a Generic Seroquel XR?

No, it isn't. Quetiapine is the active ingredient in Seroquel XR (as well as in short-acting Seroquel), but it is not a generic version of the drug. Oftentimes, the active ingredient of a drug is referred to as its "generic name." But the generic name of a medicine is different than a generic version of it. 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 have made the product.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;