Generic Eldepryl

The patents for Eldepryl (selegiline hydrochloride) have expired, and generic Eldepryl is now available in both capsule and tablet form. However, because tablets are not equivalent to capsules, selegiline tablets are not considered equivalent to Eldepryl, even though they contain the same drug in the same strength. The FDA has determined that the generic selegiline capsules, however, are equivalent to brand-name Eldepryl.

 

Eldepryl Generic: An Overview

Eldepryl® (selegiline hydrochloride) is a prescription Parkinson's disease medication. It is only approved for use in combination with carbidopa-levodopa medications, such as Sinemet®, Sinemet® CR, or Parcopa®. It belongs to a group of medications known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
 
Eldepryl is made by Somerset Pharmaceuticals, Inc. However, it has come off patent and is also available as a generic.
 

Strengths of Generic Eldepryl

Generic Eldepryl capsules are available in one strength -- selegiline 5 mg. Although selegiline tablets are also available (in a 5 mg strength), these products are not technically generics for Eldepryl, as tablets are not considered equivalent to capsules (even if they contain the same drug in the same strength).
 

Who Makes Generic Eldepryl?

Generic Eldepryl is made by various companies, such as:
 
  • Apotex Corp.
  • Dava Pharmaceuticals
  • Mylan Pharmaceuticals.
     

Is Generic Selegiline as Good as Eldepryl?

All generic medications must undergo certain tests to compare them to brand-name medications. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) then looks at these tests to decide if the generics are equivalent to the brand-name medication, and assigns each generic a rating. An "AB" rating means that the FDA has determined that a generic medication is equivalent to a brand-name medication. All of the generic selegiline capsules that are currently available have an "AB" rating, meaning they should be equivalent to Eldepryl.
 
However, generic medications are allowed to have different inactive ingredients than the brand-name medication. This might include fillers, dyes, or other ingredients that may cause problems for people with allergies or sensitivities.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;