1

                                                                    Exhibit 23.1






                         Consent of Independent Auditors

            We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement (Form S-8) of Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for the registration of
16,521 shares of its common stock in connection with its 1999 Nonemployee
Director Stock Plan of our report dated March 29, 2000 with respect to the
consolidated financial statements and schedule of Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1999,
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                                    ERNST & YOUNG LLP



Cincinnati, Ohio
November 17, 2000