Generic Estrace

As all of the patents for Estrace (estradiol) have expired, several companies have chosen to manufacture a generic version of Estrace. Generic Estrace is available in three strengths, estradiol 0.5 mg, estradiol 1 mg, and estradiol 2 mg. The FDA has assigned all generic versions of Estrace an "AB" rating, meaning that these generics should be equivalent to the brand-name medication.

 

Estrace Generic: An Overview

Estrace® (estradiol) is a prescription estrogen hormone replacement medication. It is approved for the following uses:
 
  • Preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
  • Treating menopausal symptoms, such as vaginal dryness and hot flashes
  • Relieving the symptoms of certain cancers (in both men and women) that have spread throughout the body
  • Replacing hormones in younger women whose ovaries do not produce enough estrogen.
     
Estrace tablets are marketed by Warner Chilcott and are manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company or Barr Laboratories, Inc. However, the patents for Estrace have expired, and Estrace is currently available in generic forms.
 

Strengths of Generic Estrace

Generic Estrace tablets are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Estradiol 0.5 mg
  • Estradiol 1 mg
  • Estradiol 2 mg.
     

Who Makes Generic Estrace?

Generic Estrace is made by various companies, such as:
 
  • Barr Laboratories
  • Mylan Pharmaceuticals
  • Watson Laboratories.
     

Is Generic Estradiol as Good as Estrace?

All generic medications must undergo 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 generics are equivalent to the brand-name medications, and assigns each generic a rating. An "AB" rating means that the FDA has determined that a generic medication is equivalent to a brand-name medication. All of the generic Estrace versions currently available have an "AB" rating, meaning they should be equivalent to Estrace.
 
However, generic medications are allowed to have different inactive ingredients than the brand-name medication. This might include fillers, dyes, or other ingredients that may cause problems for people with allergies or sensitivities.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;