Generic Zyprexa

The patent for Zyprexa currently expires in October 2011. That is the earliest possible date that a generic Zyprexa could become available. However, other circumstances (such as lawsuits or other patents for specific Zyprexa uses) could come up to extend the exclusivity period beyond that time.

 

An Overview of Generic Zyprexa

Zyprexa® (olanzapine) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat several conditions. These Zyprexa uses can include the treatment of:
 
Zyprexa is manufactured by Eli Lilly and is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic Zyprexa from being manufactured. Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic Zyprexa," you may find a number of companies selling it. The fact is that these medicines are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. You should not buy any generic Zyprexa until there is an approved generic available.
 

When Will There Be a Generic Zyprexa?

The patent for Zyprexa currently expires in October 2011. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of Zyprexa could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend the exclusivity period of Zyprexa beyond 2011. These circumstances could include things such as lawsuits or other patents for specific Zyprexa uses. Once Zyprexa goes off patent, there may be several companies that manufacture a generic Zyprexa drug.
 

Is Olanzapine a Generic Zyprexa?

No, it isn't. Olanzapine is the active ingredient in Zyprexa, not a generic version of the drug. Oftentimes, the active ingredient of any drug is referred to as its "generic name." But the generic name of a medicine is different from a generic version of it. For there do 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;