Generic Lunesta

There is currently no generic Lunesta available on the market. Once Lunesta's patent expires in 2012, however, several drug companies are expected to begin manufacturing a generic version of the sleep medicine. It is important to keep in mind that while many companies claim to sell generic Lunesta products, these drugs are potentially dangerous. Do not purchase any of these medicines until an approved version of generic Lunesta becomes available.

 

Generic Lunesta: An Overview

Lunesta® (eszopiclone) is a prescription medication that has been licensed as sleep medication to treat insomnia.
 
Lunesta is manufactured by Sepracor Inc. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Lunesta from being manufactured in the United States. Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic Lunesta," you may find a number of companies selling it. The fact is, these medicines are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. There may be generic Lunesta available from another country, but there is really no way of knowing if you are getting genuine Lunesta or not. You should not buy any generic Lunesta until there is an approved version available.
 

When Will Generic Lunesta Be Available?

The first patent for Lunesta currently expires in 2012. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of Lunesta could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend the exclusivity period of Lunesta beyond 2012. This could include such things as other patents for specific Lunesta uses or lawsuits. Once Lunesta goes off patent, there may be several companies that manufacture a generic Lunesta drug.
 

Is Eszopiclone a Generic Lunesta?

The answer is no. Eszopiclone is the active ingredient in Lunesta but is not a generic version of Lunesta. 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 then another company (besides the original manufacturer) would make the product.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;