Generic Carenatal DHA

There are currently no generic Carenatal DHA products available. This is because no generic prenatal vitamin has been assigned an "equivalence rating" by the FDA, meaning there are no generic prenatal vitamins that are equivalent to the brand-name product. However, your pharmacist may substitute a generic prenatal vitamin that is similar to Carenatal DHA (if state laws allow it and your healthcare provider approves).

 

Is Generic Carenatal DHA Available

Carenatal™ DHA is a prenatal vitamin (a vitamin for pregnant women) that is only available by prescription. While prenatal vitamins are specifically designed for pregnant women, they are also useful for women before and after pregnancy. In addition to the usual vitamins and minerals found in prenatal vitamins, Carenatal DHA also contains DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that is important for eye and brain development.
 
Carenatal DHA prenatal vitamins are manufactured by Ethex Corporation. Technically, there are no generic versions of Carenatal DHA products available.
 

The Problems With Generic Prenatal Vitamins

The issue of
 generic prenatal vitamins is a confusing one. Generic prenatal vitamins present an interesting technical problem. Because prenatal vitamins do not require FDA approval, the FDA does not give them "equivalence ratings." Equivalence ratings are used by pharmacists to determine which generic products are considered equivalent to brand-name products. In many states, a pharmacist may not dispense a generic in place of a brand-name medication unless the FDA has rated the products to be equivalent. Because prenatal vitamins do not have equivalence ratings, technically, no generic prenatal vitamin is equivalent to any brand-name prenatal vitamin (including Carenatal DHA).
 
However, depending on state laws (and how your healthcare provider writes your prescription), your pharmacist may substitute a different prenatal vitamin that is similar to the brand-name product. At this time, there are a few other prenatal vitamins (both generic and brand) that are similar to Carenatal DHA.
 
(Generic Carenatal DHA Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;