Generic Etanercept: An Overview
Etanercept is manufactured by Amgen. Technically, etanercept is considered to be a "biologic," and is therefore under different rules and laws than most other medications. At this point, generic biologics, including generic etanercept, are not allowed to be manufactured.
Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic etanercept," you may find a number of companies selling it. The fact is that these medicines are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. There may be generic etanercept available from another country, but there is really no way of knowing if you are getting genuine etanercept or not. You should not buy any generic etanercept until there is an approved generic available.
When Will Generic Etanercept Be Available?
This is a difficult question. Unless the laws and rules are changed, generic etanercept will never be available. However, it is likely that these rules and laws will be changed in the future.
Is Etanercept a Generic Enbrel?
The answer is no. Etanercept is the active ingredient in Enbrel, but it is not a generic version of Enbrel. 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 than 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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