Generic Provigil

There are currently no generic Provigil products licensed for sale. Although the first patent for Provigil expired in November 2007, the manufacturer claims that another patent still protects the drug. The settlement from a recent lawsuit regarding this issue states that one generic company can start making generic Provigil in 2012; this is the soonest that a generic version can become available.

 

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).
     
Provigil is made by Cephalon, Inc. It is currently under the protection of patents that prevent any generic Provigil from being manufactured in the United States. Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic Provigil," you may find a number of companies selling it. The fact is that these medicines may be fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. Generic Provigil may be available from another country, but there is really no way of knowing if you are actually getting genuine Provigil. You should not buy any generic versions until there is an approved medication available.
 

When Will Generic Provigil Be Available?

The first patent for Provigil expired in November 2007. However, Cephalon (the manufacturer) believes that a different patent (which expires in April 2015) still protects the drug. There has already been one lawsuit about this matter, which resulted in a settlement between Cephalon and a generic manufacturer. This settlement will allow one generic manufacturer to start making generic Provigil in 2012. This is the latest date that a generic version of the drug could become available. However, other circumstances could come up to bring generic Provigil products to market sooner, such as other lawsuits.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;