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Generic Ranexa
A patent currently prevents any company from making a generic Ranexa (ranolazine) product. The earliest predictable date that a generic version could become available is May 2019, when this patent expires. Although ranolazine is sometimes called the "generic name" of Ranexa, it is simply the active ingredient in the medication and not a generic version of it.
Can I Buy Generic Ranexa?
Ranexa® (ranolazine) is a prescription medication used to treat chronic angina (chest pain). It is taken on a daily basis to help prevent episodes of chest pain, and works differently than other angina medications.Ranexa is manufactured by Gilead Sciences, Inc. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Ranexa from being manufactured in the United States.
When Will a Generic Version Be Available?
The first patent for Ranexa is set to expire in May 2019. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version could become available.However, other circumstances could come up to delay or shorten this exclusivity period. This could include things such as lawsuits or other patents for new Ranexa uses. Once the patent expires, several companies may begin manufacturing a generic Ranexa drug.
Is Ranolazine a Generic for Ranexa?
No -- ranolazine is the active ingredient in Ranexa, not a generic version of it. What can be confusing is that the active ingredient of a drug is often 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.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD