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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                        Consent of Independent Auditors


         We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in
the Registration Statement Form S-3 and related Prospectus of Duramed
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., dated November 22, 1995, for the registration of shares
of its common stock and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report
dated February 24, 1995, 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, 1994, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.

                                                            ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Cincinnati, Ohio
November 21, 1995