Generic Xeloda

There is currently no generic version of Xeloda available because it is protected by a patent. The earliest date that a generic Xeloda could be manufactured is when the patent expires in January 2011. However, certain circumstances could come up to push that date past 2011, such as specific uses of Xeloda or lawsuits.

 

Generic Xeloda: An Overview

Xeloda® (capecitabine) is a prescription medication used to treat breast cancer and colorectal cancer.
 
Xeloda is manufactured by Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Xeloda from being manufactured in the United States.
 

When Will Generic Xeloda Be Available?

The first patent for Xeloda currently expires in January 2011. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of Xeloda could become available. However, certain circumstances could extend this exclusivity period beyond 2011. These circumstances could include things such as other patents for specific Xeloda uses or lawsuits. Once the patent expires, several companies will likely begin manufacturing generic Xeloda.
 

Is Capecitabine a Generic Xeloda?

No -- capecitabine is the active ingredient in Xeloda, 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 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 another company (besides the original manufacturer) must make the product.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;