There are currently no generic Nuvigil products available on the market. The first patent for the medication expires in February 2009, which means other drug companies can begin manufacturing a generic version at that time. However, the exclusivity period of the medicine may be extended if lawsuits or other patents for specific Nuvigil uses come up, delaying the availability of generic Nuvigil.
Generic Nuvigil: An Overview
Nuvigil™ (
armodafinil) is a prescription medication used to help people stay alert and awake. Specifically, Nuvigil is approved for use in people with the following sleep disorders:
- Narcolepsy
- Shift work sleep disorder (SWSD), a problem in people who work night shifts or who frequently change between day and night work shifts
- Sleep apnea (known medically as obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome or OSAHS).
Nuvigil is made by Cephalon, Inc. It is currently under the protection of patents that prevent any generic Nuvigil from being manufactured in the United States.
When Will Generic Nuvigil Be Available?
The first patent for Nuvigil currently expires in February 2009. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of the drug could become available. However, other circumstances could come up to extend the exclusivity period beyond 2009. This could include such things as other patents for specific
Nuvigil uses or lawsuits. Once the patent expires, several companies will likely begin manufacturing a generic Nuvigil drug.
Is Armodafinil the Same as Generic Nuvigil?
No -- armodafinil is the active ingredient in Nuvigil, 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.
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