Is a Generic Version of Rapaflo Available?
Rapaflo™ (
silodosin) is a prescription medication that belongs to a group of medications known as alpha-1 blockers. It is approved for treating the symptoms of an
enlarged prostate (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or
BPH). This medication is not available in generic form.
Brand-name Rapaflo is manufactured by Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Rapaflo from being manufactured in the United States.
When Will Generic Rapaflo Be Available?
Watson Pharmaceuticals holds the exclusive rights to make this medication in the United States until at least October 2013. This is the earliest predictable date that a generic version of Rapaflo could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend or shorten the exclusivity period of Rapaflo. This could include such things as lawsuits or other patents for specific
Rapaflo uses. Once Rapaflo goes off patent, there may be several companies that will begin manufacturing a generic Rapaflo drug.
Is Silodosin a Generic Form of Rapaflo?
The answer is no. Silodosin is the active ingredient in Rapaflo but is not a generic version of the medication. 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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