Generic Vardenafil

Because vardenafil is currently protected by a patent that prevents a generic form of the drug from being manufactured, no generic vardenafil drug is available at this time. However, once vardenafil goes off patent, it is expected that several companies will start manufacturing a generic version of the medicine. The first patent for vardenafil currently expires in 2018.

 

Generic Vardenafil: An Overview

Vardenafil HCL (Levitra®) is a prescription medicine that is licensed for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). Vardenafil is manufactured by Bayer Pharmaceuticals and is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic vardenafil from being manufactured.
 

When Will There Be a Generic Vardenafil?

The first patent for vardenafil currently expires in 2018. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of vardenafil could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend the exclusivity period of vardenafil beyond 2018. These circumstances could include such things as other patents for specific vardenafil uses or lawsuits. Once vardenafil goes off patent, there may be several companies that manufacture a generic vardenafil drug.
  

Is Vardenafil HCL a Generic Levitra?

No. Vardenafil HCL is the active ingredient in Levitra, not a generic version of the drug. Although people often refer to a drug's active ingredient as its "generic name," the generic name of a drug is different than a generic version of it. 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 have made the product.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;