Generic Glipizide

Generic glipizide tablets are available in two strengths: 5 mg and 10 mg. Generic extended release glipizide is available in three strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg. The FDA has assigned an "AB" rating to these medications, which means that these generic glipzide versions are largely equivalent to the brand-name medications, although there may be differences in the inactive ingredients.

 

Generic Glipizide: An Overview

Glipizide (Glucotrol®) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat type 2 diabetes. Extended release glipizide (Glucotrol XL®), a long-acting form, is also available for type 2 diabetes.
 
Glipizide was first manufactured under the brand names of Glucotrol and Glucotrol XL. These drugs are manufactured by Pfizer, Inc. The patents for both medications have since expired, which means a generic version of glipizide is now available.
 

Strengths of Generic Glipizide

Generic glipizide (Glucotrol) tablets are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Glipizide 5 mg tablets
  • Glipizide 10 mg tablets.
     
Extended release glipizide (Glucotrol XL) tablets are available in three strengths:
 
  • Glipizide extended release 2.5 mg tablets
  • Glipizide extended release 5 mg tablets
  • Glipizide extended release 10 mg tablets.
     

Who Makes Generic Glipizide?

Generic glipizide is made by many different companies, including Teva Pharmaceuticals, Mylan Laboratories, and Ivax Pharmaceuticals. Talk to your pharmacist if you are interested in more information about the different makers of generic glipizide.
 

Is Generic Glipizide as Good as Glucotrol?

All generic medications must have 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 generic versions are equivalent to the brand-name medications and assigns a rating to each one. An "AB" rating means that the FDA has determined that a generic medication is equivalent to a brand-name medication. All of the generic glipizide versions currently available have an "AB" rating, meaning they should be equivalent to Glucotrol or Glucotrol XL.
 
However, generic medications are allowed to have different inactive ingredients from the brand-name medication. This might include fillers, dyes, or other ingredients, which 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;