Now Available: Leuprolide Generic for Eligard
By Rosanna Sutherby, PharmD•
Men's HealthProstate Cancer
Updated May 2020: The generic medications for Eligard, leuprolide is now available. Search RxSaver to find coupons at your nearest pharmacy.
What Is Bioequivalence?---------------------------
A generic drug is bioequivalent to the brand name product if the active ingredient is available at the site of intended action (bloodstream, skin, lungs, etc.) within the same amount of time as the original drug.
Leuprolide – Generic Eligard--------------------------------
Generic versions of Eligard® may become available after the end of March 2020. However, generic drug release dates are subject to change based on litigation, patent expiration, and drug exclusivities.
Eligard (leuprolide) is a subcutaneous injection (injected under the skin) used to treat the symptoms of advanced prostate cancer. When given continuously to men, Eligard decreases testosterone levels, which helps alleviate symptoms of prostate cancer. Eligard is available in four doses that deliver medication over a one-, three-, four-, or six-month period. Eligard is typically dosed in the following manner: 7.5 mg: one injection given once a month 22.5 mg: one injection given every three months 30 mg: one injection given every four months 45 mg: one injection given every six monthsIf you are using Eligard, keep in mind the following points:
Before using Eligard, bring the injection to room temperature. Mix the medication according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer, and inject the medicine within 30 minutes of mixing. Inject Eligard under the skin and rotate the injection site regularly. Eligard may impair fertility in men who intend to reproduce. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use Eligard. Using Eligard may increase your risk of having a heart attack or a stroke. Eligard may increase your blood sugar and your risk of developing diabetes. Your symptoms may temporarily worsen during the first few weeks after you start taking Eligard. Let your doctor know if your symptoms are bothersome or severe.1. Leuprolide (generic for Eligard)
The average RxSaver price for leuprolide at major retail pharmacies is $358.34\
Pricing for leuprolide varies based on pharmacy and location. To ensure you are finding the best cost for your leuprolide prescription at pharmacies closest to you, search for prescription costs for your area with RxSaver’s free search tool below.
Generic drugs play an essential role in our health care. Sixty-five percent of prescriptions in the United States are generics. They are crucial in keeping up with the increasing patient demand for medications and save consumers over $10 million per year in prescription costs. The process by which brand name drugs become generics is rigorous and well regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
How Does a Drug Become Generic?
-----------------------------------
Brand name drugs have patents that are valid for 20 years after the filing of the patent application. However, a large amount of that time is spent developing the drug, so the length of time the brand drug is on the market before the patent exclusion expires is usually only a few years. A generic manufacturer can apply to make a generic drug before this patent has expired, but cannot release the new generic version of the drug on the market until the patent expires. The generic manufacturers must submit an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) to the FDA showing that the generic drug has the same quality, strength, and safety as the brand name product. The submitted ANDA must demonstrate that:
The generic drug is equivalent to the brand name drug in formulation (i.e., tablet, solution, extended release, etc.) The manufacturer can make the drug correctly and consistently The active ingredient is the same as the one in the brand name drug The established amount of the drug always reaches the site of action in the same amount of time The inactive ingredients are safe The drug is stable for a reasonable amount of time The container used for the drug is appropriate for the stability of the drug The drug information label is the same as that of the brand-name drug The brand-name drug’s patents and exclusivities have expiredThe generic manufacturer is not required to submit animal studies or human clinical studies. Instead, they are required to prove the bioequivalence of the product.
\
Average pricing based on the following dosages:leuprolide: 1 MG/0.2ML, 1 kit
Pricing averaged at the following pharmacies: CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens Pharmacy, Walmart Pharmacy, Costco Pharmacy on May 18, 2020. Visit RxSaver.com to find your coupon prices in your area.
Rosanna Sutherby, PharmD
Dr. Rosanna Sutherby, PharmD, is a freelance medical writer who has been a practicing pharmacist in her community for close to 20 years and is a regular contributor to the RxSaver blog. She obtained her Doctor of Pharmacy from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
The information on this site is generalized and is not medical advice. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard seeking advice or delay in seeking treatment because of something you have read on our site. RxSaver makes no warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of this information.
If you are in crisis or you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
