Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on Oct 27, 2023.
Official answer
by Drugs.com
Yes, Lyrica (generic name: pregabalin) immediate-release capsules and oral solution are now available as a generic option in the US. Lyrica, the brand name product from Pfizer is also still available. Lyrica CR, which is an extended-release tablet formulation of pregabalin, is not yet available in a generic form.
In July 2019, the FDA approved pregabalin for the treatment of:
- nerve pain in people with diabetes (diabetic neuropathy)
- nerve pain due to shingles (postherpetic neuralgia)
- partial onset seizures (as an adjunctive therapy)
- management of fibromyalgia
- nerve pain associated with spinal cord injury.
Generic pregabalin comes in strengths ranging from 25 mg to 300 mg per capsule. The generic oral solution comes as a pint-sized bottle (473 mL) containing 20 mg per mL.
See: Pregabalin dosing (in more detail)
Is generic Lyrica more affordable?
Yes, in most cases, cost-savings can be significant if you select a generic option over a brand name for your prescription.
- The cost of 90 capsules of the 100 mg strength of pregabalin is approximately $12.87 using a freely-available online discount card. The same amount and strength of medication as a brand name option (Lyrica) ranges between $778.61 – $1,289.71.
- Cost-savings for the generic oral solution are not as deep as the oral capsules. The cost of generic pregabalin oral solution is $711.43 for a pint bottle of 20 mg/mL. The brand Lyrica product runs close to $1086.27.
The prices listed are for customers paying cash, but your cost may be different based on your pharmacy, location or if you have medication insurance. Prices are always subject to change, but generics often become even more affordable over time.
Learn More:
- Pregabalin Prices, Coupons and Patient Assistance Programs (in more detail)
- Lyrica Prices, Coupons and Patient Assistance Programs (in more detail)
Are brand name and generic drugs both equally safe?
Yes, in most cases you can feel confident selecting a generic option at the pharmacy.
- The FDA requires that generic drugs meet rigorous scientific and quality standards. Generic drugs must be as high in quality as brand name drugs.
- Generic drugs contain the same active ingredients as their brand name counterparts and work the same way.
- They have the same risks and the same benefits as the brand name drugs.
- Colors, shapes and markings change on generic tablets and capsules. Need to identify a pill by its markings, shape or color? Use the Drugs.com Pill Identifier.
Is it OK to use generic Lyrica for seizures?
This is a controversial question. If you are using Lyrica to treat seizures, check with your doctor before making a generic substitution.
Using generic options in patients with seizures is controversial because studies have come to differing conclusions of the impact on seizure control. Switching between generic products and different manufacturers may also cause issues. Your doctor may decide to monitor your drug blood levels more closely if a substitution is made.
If your doctor decides that a generic substitution should NOT be made, be sure that they include “no substitution” on the prescription. This will alert the pharmacist and your insurance company that no generic substitution for the brand should occur.
Bottom Line
- Lyrica (generic name: pregabalin) immediate-release capsules and oral solution are now available as a generic option in the US. These options will most likely save you money if you are paying cash for your prescriptions.
- Lyrica, the brand name product from Pfizer is also still available.
- Lyrica CR, which is an extended-release tablet formulation of pregabalin, is not yet available in a generic form.
This is not all the information you need to know about Lyrica (pregabalin) for safe and effective use. Review the full Lyrica (pregabalin) information here, and discuss this information and any questions with your doctor or other health care provider.
References
- FDA approves first generics of Lyrica. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). July 22, 2019. Accessed Nov. 6, 2020 at https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-generics-lyrica
- Schachter S, et al. Overview of the management of epilepsy in adults. Up to Date. Accessed Nov. 6, 2020 at https://www.uptodate.com/contents/overview-of-the-management-of-epilepsy-in-adults
Read next
In clinical studies with Lyrica, some patients experienced a decrease in pain as early as the first week, which persisted during the entire study period of 5 to 13 weeks. Continue reading
Weight gain is a common side effect associated with Lyrica treatment. In studies, 9% of Lyrica-treated patients and 2% of placebo-treated patients gained 7% or more compared to their weight at the beginning of the study. Lyrica is also linked with an increase in appetite and fluid retention. Continue reading
Lyrica (pregabalin) will stay in your blood (plasma) for about 35 hours, but its clinical effect may wear off before this time. Studies have shown pregabalin to be detectable in urine for up to 5 to 6 days. Continue reading
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Medical Disclaimer
