Generic Pristiq

There are currently no generic Pristiq products available on the market. As soon as the first patent for the medication expires, however, other companies can begin manufacturing generic versions of the drug. It is important to know that desvenlafaxine is not the same as generic Pristiq; it is simply the active ingredient of the medicine.

Pristiq Drug Information

Pristiq Generic: An Overview

Pristiq™ (desvenlafaxine) is a prescription medication approved to treat depression. It is part of a group of medications known as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

Pristiq is made by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Inc. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Pristiq from being manufactured in the United States.

When Will Generic Pristiq Be Available?

The first patent for Pristiq is set to expire in February 2022. This is the earliest predictable date that a generic version of the drug could become available. However, other circumstances could come up to extend or shorten the exclusivity period. This could include such things as other patents for specific Pristiq uses or lawsuits.

Is Desvenlafaxine the Same as Generic Pristiq?

No -- desvenlafaxine is the active ingredient in Pristiq, 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. All medications have generic names; not all medications have generic versions available.