FDA OKs Generic Requip

May 14, 2008 -- The FDA has approved generic versions of the drug Requip made by four companies.

Generic ropinirole hydrochloride will be made by Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Roxane Laboratories, Mylan Pharmaceuticals, and Par Pharmaceutical.

Requip, made by GlaxoSmithKline, is used to treat restless legs syndrome and Parkinson's disease. Requip's patent expires on May 19, according to the FDA.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a disorder in which people have an unpleasant feeling in their legs when lying down to sleep; they often have a strong urge to move their legs, making it difficult to sleep.

Parkinson's is a progressive disease in which there is a breakdown in the nerve cells in the brain that make dopamine. Symptoms include tremors, stiff muscles, slow movement, and problems with balance or walking.