Generic Levitra (vardenafil) is a prescription medicine that is licensed for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). Levitra is manufactured by Bayer Pharmaceuticals and is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic Levitra from being manufactured. Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic Levitra," you may find a number of companies selling it. The fact is that these medicines are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. There may be generic Levitra available from another country, but there is really no way of knowing if you are getting genuine Levitra or not. You should not buy any generic Levitra until there is an approved generic available.

When Will There Be a Generic Levitra?

The first patent for Levitra currently expires in 2018. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of Levitra could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend the exclusivity period of Levitra beyond 2018. These circumstances could include such things as other patents for specific Levitra uses or lawsuits. Once Levitra goes off patent, there may be several companies that manufacture a generic Levitra drug.

Is Vardenafil a Generic Levitra?

No. Vardenafil HCL is the active ingredient in Levitra, not a generic version of the drug. Although people often refer to a drug's active ingredient as its "generic name," the generic name of a drug is different than a generic version of it. 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 have made the product.