Although the first patent for Wellbutrin XL doesn't expire until 2018, a U.S. District Court ruled that generic Wellbutrin XL could be made. The medication is available under the name Budeprion XL in 150-mg and 300-mg tablets. The FDA has assigned an "AB" rating to generic Wellbutrin XL, which means that it is considered equivalent to the brand-name version, although it may have different inactive ingredients.
An Overview of Generic Wellbutrin XL
Wellbutrin XL® (
bupropion XL) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of
depression (also known as major depression or clinical depression). It is also used to prevent seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Wellbutrin XL was first manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. The first patent expires in 2018. However, it is questionable if this patent could prevent
generic Wellbutrin XL from being made, and there have been several lawsuits surrounding this issue. In 2006, a U.S. District Court ruled in favor of a generic manufacturer, essentially deciding that generic Wellbutrin XL could be made.
Names and Strengths of Generic Wellbutrin XL
Generic manufacturers may choose to use a standard generic name or create their own name. The maker of generic Wellbutrin XL has chosen to create its own name:
Budeprion XL®. Generic Wellbutrin XL tablets are available in the following strengths:
- Budeprion XL 150 mg tablets
- Budeprion XL 300 mg tablets.
Other companies will likely begin making generic Wellbutrin XL, especially once the dust settles around the patent lawsuits. These companies will likely use the standard name,
bupropion XL.
Who Makes Generic Wellbutrin XL?
Teva Pharmaceuticals makes the generic version of Wellbutrin XL.
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