Vascepa is a prescription medication used to lower triglyceride levels in the blood. It contains the active ingredient eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which is a type of omega-3 fatty acid. The brand-name version of Vascepa is manufactured by Amarin Pharma Inc., while the generic version is produced by several other companies.
According to drugpatentwatch.com [1], the patent for Vascepa expired in December 2019, which means that other companies can now produce and sell generic versions of the drug. The site also lists several companies that are currently manufacturing generic Vascepa, including Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Hikma Pharmaceuticals, and Teva Pharmaceuticals.
Drugs.com [2] notes that Lovaza is another prescription medication used to lower triglyceride levels. Like Vascepa, it contains omega-3 fatty acids, but the active ingredient in Lovaza is a combination of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). While Lovaza and Vascepa are both used to treat high triglyceride levels, they work in slightly different ways and have different side effect profiles.
Singlecare.com [3] explains that generic Vascepa is generally less expensive than the brand-name version. However, it is important to note that generic drugs must meet the same standards for quality, safety, and effectiveness as brand-name drugs. The site also notes that some patients may prefer to stick with the brand-name version of Vascepa if they have concerns about the quality or consistency of generic drugs.
In summary, generic Vascepa is now available from several manufacturers, and is generally less expensive than the brand-name version. While it contains the same active ingredient as the brand-name drug, patients may want to consult with their healthcare provider to determine if the generic version is right for them. It is important to note that generic drugs must meet the same standards for quality, safety, and effectiveness as brand-name drugs.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/VASCEPA
[2] https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/lovaza-vascepa-difference-between-3553025/
[3] https://www.singlecare.com/blog/vascepa-vs-lovaza/