Generic Glucotrol

Since the patent has expired, a generic Glucotrol is now available to treat type 2 diabetes. The FDA has assigned an "AB" rating to both the generic version of Glucotrol and Glucotrol XL, which means that these drugs should be equivalent to the brand-name medications. However, generic Glucotrol may include other ingredients, such as fillers and dyes, which can cause problems for people with allergies.

 

Generic Glucotrol: An Overview

Glucotrol® (glipizide) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat type 2 diabetes. Glucotrol XL® (extended release glipizide), a long-acting form of the drug, is also available for type 2 diabetes treatment.
 
Glucotrol and Glucotrol XL are manufactured by Pfizer, Inc. The patents for both medications have expired, which means generic versions can now be produced.
 

Strengths of Generic Glucotrol

Generic Glucotrol tablets are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Glucotrol 5 mg tablets
  • Glucotrol 10 mg tablets.
     
Generic Glucotrol XL tablets are available in three strengths:
 
  • Glucotrol XL 2.5 mg tablets
  • Glucotrol XL 5 mg tablets
  • Glucotrol XL 10 mg tablets.
     

Who Makes Generic Glucotrol?

Generic Glucotrol is made by many different companies, including Teva Pharmaceuticals, Mylan Laboratories, and Ivax Pharmaceuticals. Talk to your pharmacist if you are interested in more information about the different makers of generic Glucotrol.
 

Is Generic Glucotrol as Good as Brand-Name Glucotrol?

All generic medications must have certain tests to compare them to brand-name medications. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) then looks at these tests to decide if the generic versions are equivalent to the brand-name medications and assigns a rating to each one. An "AB" rating means that the FDA has determined that a generic medication is equivalent to a brand-name medication. All of the generic Glucotrol versions currently available have an "AB" rating, meaning they should be equivalent to Glucotrol or Glucotrol XL.
 
However, generic medications are allowed to have different inactive ingredients from the brand-name medication. This might include fillers, dyes, or other ingredients, which may cause problems for people with allergies or certain sensitivities.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;