Generic Enbrel

At this time, there is no generic version of Enbrel because it is considered a "biologic." This means that Enbrel is under different rules and laws than most other medications. Until the laws and rules are changed, there will never be a generic Enbrel available. However, there may be places that claim to sell a "generic Enbrel," but be aware that these places are selling a medication that is fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous.

 

Generic Enbrel: An Overview

Enbrel® (etanercept) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat several inflammatory conditions that affect the joints and skin. These conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis.
 
Enbrel is manufactured by Amgen. Technically, Enbrel is considered to be a "biologic," and is therefore under different rules and laws than most other medications. At this point, generic biologics, including generic Enbrel, are not allowed to be manufactured.
 
Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic Enbrel," you may find a number of companies selling it. The fact is that these medicines are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. There may be generic Enbrel available from another country, but there is really no way of knowing if you are getting genuine Enbrel or not. You should not buy any generic Enbrel until there is an approved generic available.
 

When Will Generic Enbrel Be Available?

This is a difficult question. Unless the laws and rules are changed, generic Enbrel will never be available. However, it is likely that these rules and laws will be changed in the future.
 

Is Etanercept a Generic Enbrel?

No, it isn't. Etanercept is the active ingredient in Enbrel, but it is not a generic version of Enbrel. Oftentimes, the active ingredient of a drug is referred to as the "generic name." The generic name is different than 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 then another company (besides the original manufacturer) would make the product.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;