Generic Provigil

You can now buy Provigil (modafinil) as a generic. The FDA has assigned the generic Provigil tablets an "AB" rating, which means they are considered equivalent to the brand-name version. The generic version made by Teva is an "authorized generic," which means it is exactly the same as the brand-name drug, except for its name and price.

Provigil Medication Information

Generic Provigil: An Overview

Provigil^® (modafinil) is a prescription medication used to help people stay awake and alert. In particular, it is approved for use in people with the following sleep disorders:

Shift work sleep disorder (SWSD), a problem in people who work night shifts or who frequently change between day and night work shifts
Narcolepsy
Sleep apnea (known medically as obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome or OSAHS).

Brand-name Provigil is made by Cephalon, Inc. However, the medication is also available in generic form.

Availability of Generic Provigil

Generic Provigil tablets are available in the two following strengths (just like brand-name Provigil):

Modafinil 100 mg
Modafinil 200 mg.

Generic Provigil is made by various manufacturers, such as:

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries
Par Pharmaceutical Companies, Inc.

Teva's version of modafinil is actually an "authorized generic." This means it is brand-name Provigil that has been repackaged and sold as a generic. Par's version is a true generic. Interestingly, Teva now owns Cephalon, the maker of brand-name Provigil.

Is Generic Modafinil as Good as Provigil?

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 a rating to each one.

An "AB" rating means that the FDA has determined that a generic medication is equivalent to a brand-name medication. The generic versions of Provigil currently available have an "AB" rating, meaning they should be equivalent to Provigil.

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.