An Introduction to Generic Celebrex
Celebrex® (
celecoxib) is a prescription medicine that is licensed to treat pain and inflammation associated with various conditions, such as
arthritis or general muscle pain. The medication is manufactured by Pfizer, and is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic Celebrex from being manufactured.
When Will There Be a Generic Version?
The first patent for Celebrex expires in May 2014. It was initially expected to expire in 2013, but Pfizer was granted an extension to perform much-needed studies in children. May 2014 is now the earliest predictable date that a generic version of Celebrex could become available. However, other circumstances could extend or shorten this period, such as lawsuits or other patents for specific uses.
Once the patent expires, several companies may begin manufacturing a generic Celebrex drug.
Is Celecoxib a Generic Celebrex?
No -- celecoxib is the active ingredient in Celebrex, but is not a generic version of it. This can be confusing, because the active ingredient of any drug is often referred to as the "generic name." But the generic name is not the same as a generic version of a medicine.
For there to be a generic version, the original medicine must first go off-patent and another company besides the original manufacturer must start making the product.
