Vascepa is a prescription medication used to reduce triglyceride levels in adults with severe hypertriglyceridemia. It contains the active ingredient icosapent ethyl, which is a type of omega-3 fatty acid. According to the Drug Patent Watch [1], the patent for Vascepa expired in 2020, and several companies have filed applications to produce generic versions of the drug.

However, it is important to note that not all generic drugs are created equal. While generic drugs must contain the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug, they may have different inactive ingredients, which can affect how the drug is absorbed and metabolized in the body. Additionally, the FDA requires that generic drugs be bioequivalent to the brand-name drug, meaning that they must have the same rate and extent of absorption as the brand-name drug.

The New York State Department of Health maintains a Preferred Drug List [2], which includes both brand-name and generic drugs that are approved for use in the state's Medicaid program. As of 2021, the list includes two generic versions of Vascepa: icosapent ethyl and omega-3-acid ethyl esters. Both of these generics are listed as "therapeutically equivalent" to Vascepa, meaning that they are expected to have the same clinical effect as the brand-name drug.

A review published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology [3] compared the efficacy and safety of Vascepa to other omega-3 fatty acid supplements, including Lovaza and omega-3-acid ethyl esters. The review found that Vascepa was more effective than Lovaza in reducing triglyceride levels, and that it had a better safety profile than omega-3-acid ethyl esters. However, the review did not compare Vascepa to generic versions of the drug.

In conclusion, while generic versions of Vascepa are available, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if a generic version is right for you. The FDA requires that generic drugs be bioequivalent to the brand-name drug, but differences in inactive ingredients can affect how the drug is absorbed and metabolized in the body. The New York State Department of Health lists two generic versions of Vascepa as therapeutically equivalent to the brand-name drug, but a review published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology did not compare Vascepa to generic versions of the drug.

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/VASCEPA
[2] https://newyork.fhsc.com/downloads/providers/NYRx_PDP_PDL.pdf
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425699/