Generic Xenical

The earliest that generic Xenical will be available is in December 2009, when the patent for the drug is set to expire. However, patents for specific uses or lawsuits could extend the exclusivity period. It's a popular misconception that orlistat is the same as generic Xenical. In fact, orlistat is the active ingredient in the drug.

 

Generic Xenical: An Overview

Xenical® (orlistat) is a prescription weight loss medication that works by blocking the absorption of fat from your diet. It is approved to help people lose weight and to keep the weight off, and should be used in conjunction with an appropriate diet.
 
Xenical is made by GlaxoSmithKline. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Xenical from being manufactured in the United States.
 

When Will Generic Xenical Be Available?

GlaxoSmithKline has the exclusive rights to market Xenical until at least December 2009. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of Xenical could become available. However, other circumstances could come up to extend this exclusivity period. This could include such things as other patents for specific Xenical uses or lawsuits. Once the patent expires, several companies will likely begin manufacturing generic Xenical.
 

Is Orlistat the Same as Generic Xenical?

No -- orlistat is the active ingredient in Xenical (as well as in the non-prescription medication Alli™), but is not a generic version of it. What can be confusing is that, oftentimes, the active ingredient of any drug is 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.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;