Rizatriptan is the active ingredient in Maxalt Wafers. The patent on the Maxalt brand has expired in recent years, meaning generic versions of the brand can now be produced.
When a medicine is first launched onto the market, the manufacturer who produced it is awarded a license or patent. This patent means that only that manufacturer is allowed to produce that medicine. However, when the patent expires, other manufacturers can begin producing the same treatment. This typically leads to a dramatic drop in price, which arises from the increased competition. These generic treatments are still produced by licensed manufacturers and must conform to the same strict manufacturing standards that the branded medicines meet.