Flexeril generic availability, cost, and more

In this article:

• Generic Flexeril
• Flexeril vs. cyclobenzaprine
• Cost
• Off-label uses
• How to switch

In this article

• Generic Flexeril
• Flexeril vs. cyclobenzaprine
• Cost
• Off-label uses
• How to switch

Flexeril is a former brand-name version of cyclobenzaprine, a skeletal muscle relaxant. Although it is no longer manufactured under the Flexeril name, cyclobenzaprine is still made and prescribed for muscle spasms and pain. The efficacy, side effects, and drug interactions that pertained to Flexeril still pertain to the generic form. Pricing on generics, however, is typically much lower, so the generic availability of cyclobenzaprine is a win for consumers. A detailed comparison of the drug’s versions can help decide if its generic form is acceptable.

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Is there a generic for Flexeril?

Generic drugs can legally be made after a brand-name product’s patent has expired. Thereafter, both brand and generic varieties of the drugs are often produced, with generics being priced lower because the drug’s different generic makers do not have to cover the past research and development expenses. Eventually, if demand for the brand name wanes, it may no longer be manufactured. Cyclobenzaprine is an example of this scenario, having gained Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in the 1970s and remaining available as brand-name Flexeril or Fexmid for over 40 years.

What are the differences between brand-name and generic Flexeril?

Immediate-release cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride (HCl) is only available as a generic product. Specifically, it is available as 5 mg, 7.5 mg, and 10 mg tablets. On the other hand, extended-release capsules of cyclobenzaprine HCl can be obtained in either a brand-name form, called Amrix, or a generic. Both have a 24-hour duration of action and 15 mg and 30 mg strengths.

Generic cyclobenzaprine has the same active ingredient as Flexeril did in the past. The drug’s label cites the same FDA indication for relief of acutely painful musculoskeletal conditions, as an adjunct to rest and physical therapy. According to the FDA, generic drugs have the same efficacy and safety as their brand-name predecessors, so we can expect cyclobenzaprine’s beneficial and adverse effects to be the same as Flexeril’s.

How much is generic Flexeril?

The price of generic Flexeril proved to be enough of an advantage over the branded product that the brand-name form is no longer produced. Although there is no longer a brand-name immediate-release cyclobenzaprine to compare prices to, the cost difference between brand and generic extended-release forms illustrates that advantage. Amrix is a brand-name extended-release cyclobenzaprine product that can cost $1,660 for 30, 15 mg capsules, while the generic equivalent runs about $1,050 for the same number and strength of pills. 

Regarding the immediate-release version, 30, 10 mg of cyclobenzaprine now costs about $55. With a SingleCare discount card, the price can be even lower, down to $8 for 30, 10 mg tablets. Simply show the pharmacist the free card or a SingleCare cyclobenzaprine coupon for this discount.

What are the off-label uses for Flexeril?

FDA approval of Flexeril was only for acute muscle pain or spasm and only as an adjunct to rest and physical therapy for these symptoms. When musculoskeletal pain is long-lasting, off-label use of a muscle relaxer is sometimes considered, but with caution. Experimental proof of effectiveness and safety may be lacking in these circumstances. While they are not listed as controlled substances by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), muscle relaxants can be abused. In addition, concurrent use with pain-relieving opioids or gabapentinoids, such as Neurontin (gabapentin) or Lyrica (pregabalin), could be hazardous due to additive sedating effects. 

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome of chronic, diffuse musculoskeletal pain. Few FDA-approved treatments are available for the condition, and the symptoms can be difficult to relieve. As a result, off-label treatments are sometimes tried, including the use of Flexeril for fibromyalgia. A 2004 meta-analysis analyzing five studies found some evidence to support this use.

How to switch from Flexeril to cyclobenzaprine

No brand-name option exists for immediate-release cyclobenzaprine; Flexeril is no longer produced. In general, changing from a brand-name product to a generic equivalent should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Getting their medical advice is important to ensure they do not specifically advise a branded version. That being said, often a provider writes for a prescription drug in a way that permits a pharmacist to switch to a generic if the patient or health insurance formulary prefers it and the dosing is identical.

Cyclobenzaprine is only indicated for short-term use for acute muscle pain, but it is sometimes used off-label and long-term for chronic pain syndromes. According to the drug’s label, if it is stopped suddenly, nausea, headache, and malaise can develop. A healthcare provider might recommend tapering off cyclobenzaprine after prolonged use. Good communication between patients and their healthcare professionals in the clinic and at the pharmacy often leads to safer and more cost-effective care.