An Overview of Generic Amrix
Amrix® (
cyclobenzaprine ER) is a prescription medication used to treat muscle spasms. It belongs to a group of medications known as skeletal muscle relaxants. It is the first and only muscle relaxant approved for once-a-day dosing.
Amrix is made by Eurand, Inc., and is marketed and distributed by Cephalon, Inc. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Amrix from being manufactured in the United States.
When Will Generic Amrix Be Available?
The first patent for Amrix currently expires in February 2025. This is the earliest predictable date that a generic version of Amrix could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend or shorten the exclusivity period of the drug. This could include such things as lawsuits or other patents for specific
Amrix uses. Once the medication goes off patent, there may be several companies that will manufacture a generic version of the drug.
Is Cyclobenzaprine the Same as Generic Amrix?
The answer is no.
Cyclobenzaprine is the active ingredient in Amrix (as well as the short-acting version,
Flexeril®) but is not a generic version of the medication. What can be confusing is that, oftentimes, the active ingredient of any drug is referred to as the "generic name." The generic name is different from 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.
