Generic Prandin: An Overview
Prandin® (
repaglinide) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat
type 2 diabetes when lifestyle changes alone, such as diet and exercise, do not control blood sugar. It is part of a class of
diabetes drugs called meglitinides. These medications help the
pancreas make more
insulin, which helps to lower blood sugar. It is designed to lower blood sugar levels following a meal.
Prandin is manufactured by Novo Nordisk, Inc. There are no generic versions of Prandin approved for sale in the United States at this time. Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic Prandin," you may find a number of companies selling it. The fact is that these medicines could be fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. There may be generic Prandin available from another country, but there is really no way of knowing if you are getting genuine Prandin or not. You should not buy any generic Prandin until there is an approved version available.
When Will Generic Prandin Be Available?
Despite the fact that the first patent for Prandin expired in March 2009, there are no generic versions of Prandin on the market. It is unclear when exactly a generic Prandin may be available. The patents for this drug and generic availability of this drug have already been the subject of court battles.
Is Repaglinide a Generic Prandin?
No -- repaglinide is the active ingredient in Prandin, but it is not a generic version of it.
What can be confusing is that, oftentimes, the active ingredient of a 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.
