Generic Sonata

Sonata is currently unavailable as a generic. Its patent expires in 2008, however, which means other drug companies could begin manufacturing a generic form of Sonata at that point. Until an approved generic actually becomes available, you should not purchase any so-called generic Sonata products -- these drugs are potentially dangerous.

 

Generic for Sonata: An Overview

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

When Will Generic Sonata Be Available?

The first patent for Sonata currently expires in 2008. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of Sonata could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend the exclusivity period of Sonata beyond 2008. This could include such things as other patents for specific Sonata uses or lawsuits. Once Sonata goes off patent, there may be several companies that will manufacture a generic Sonata drug.
 

Is Zaleplon a Generic Sonata?

The answer is no. Zaleplon is the active ingredient in Sonata but is not a generic version of Sonata. 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;