Is there a generic for Prilosec?

Yes — 11 approved generic versions of Prilosec (omeprazole) are tracked in our index. Generic substitution is typically automatic at the pharmacy unless the prescriber writes "dispense as written."

How much cheaper is generic omeprazole?

Generic small-molecule drugs typically launch at 60-80% discount to the originator. After multiple manufacturers enter the market (12-24 months post-cliff), prices drop further to 85-95% below originator. Your insurance copay may not reflect the full savings — check the cash price too.

Are generics as effective as the brand?

For small-molecule drugs: yes. Generics are required to demonstrate bioequivalence — identical active ingredient, same dose, same route, same indication. Pharmacokinetic equivalence within tight bounds (±20% AUC + Cmax). Most patients can switch without clinical effect.

When did Prilosec go generic?

Generic omeprazole entered the US market when the originator's exclusivity expired. See the patent timeline below for specific dates.

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 · How we verify

Prilosec generic

Complete generic competition for Prilosec (omeprazole): 11 approved generics across manufacturers, 0 filed under FDA review. 2 active patents remain. Sourced from FDA Orange Book + USPTO.

11 approved generics 2 active patents

About Prilosec

Prilosec (omeprazole) — originally marketed by AstraZeneca (originally Astra AB). Class: Proton pump inhibitor (PPI). First approved 1989-09-14.

Approved generic versions (11)

Generic	Manufacturer	Phase
omeprazole, 20mg twice daily	Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center	marketed
Omeprazole, amoxicillin, clarithromycin	Forest Laboratories	marketed
Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, Esomeprazole, Rantidine	Temple University	marketed
omeprazole+domperidone SR	Belarusian Medical Academy of Post-Graduate Education	marketed
Omeprazole Low dose	Damascus Hospital	marketed
omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate	Food and Drug Administration (FDA)	marketed
omeprazole sodium IV	The Catholic University of Korea	marketed
Omeprazole, Amoxicillin and Clarithromycin	Al-Azhar University	marketed
Omeprazole and domperidone	Mansoura University Children Hospital	marketed
omeprazole plus amoxicillin	National Taiwan University Hospital	marketed
Omeprazole, Amoxicillin, Metronidazole and Clarithromycin	Al-Azhar University	marketed

Originator patent timeline

Active patents (2)

2036-12-08 — 10835488 · Formulation · US
2036-12-08 — 10076494 · Formulation · US

Expired patents (0)

No expired patents tracked.

How small-molecule generic approval works

Generic versions of small-molecule drugs are approved by the FDA via the Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) pathway under the Hatch-Waxman Act of 1984. Sponsors must demonstrate bioequivalence (pharmacokinetic equivalence within tight bounds) and identical chemical composition — no clinical trials in patients are required. Approval typically takes 18-24 months.

This is different from biosimilars for biologic drugs, which use the more complex 351(k) BLA pathway and typically achieve smaller (15-35%) discounts vs the originator. Small-molecule generics typically launch at 60-80% discount, dropping to 85-95% within 2 years.

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Prilosec full drug profile
Biosimilar tracker (for biologic drugs)
Patent cliff tracker
Biosimilar vs generic — what's the difference?