Generic Allegra-D

There are currently no generic Allegra-D products available on the market because there are several patents that prevent a generic version from being manufactured. The first patent expires in 2012, and the last patent expires in 2020. Until Allegra-D goes off patent and a generic form becomes available, do not purchase any so-called generic Allegra-D products, because many companies who claim to sell the medicines are actually selling fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous drugs.

 

Generic Allegra-D: An Overview

Allegra-D® (fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine) is a prescription medication that has been licensed for the relief of seasonal allergy symptoms (hay fever).
 
Allegra-D is manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis Pharmaceuticals and is currently protected by patents that prevent any generic Allegra-D from being manufactured. Yet, search the Internet for "generic Allegra-D" and you will find a number of companies selling it. The fact is that these medicines are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. You should not buy any generic Allegra-D until there is an approved generic available.
 

When Will There Be a Generic Allegra-D?

There are several patents for Allegra-D. The first patent expires in 2012 and the last in 2020. It is expected that once Allegra-D goes off patent, there are several companies that will begin manufacturing a generic Allegra-D drug. Normally in the United States, one company is given 180 days of exclusivity to manufacture a generic version. After 180 days, it would be expected that a number of other manufacturers of generic medications will also begin making a generic Allegra-D.
 

Is Fexofenadine and Pseudoephedrine the Same as a Generic Allegra-D?

The answer is no. Fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine hydrochloride are the active ingredients in Allegra-D but is not a generic version of Allegra-D. What can be confusing is that oftentimes, the active ingredient of any drug is referred to as the "generic name." However, the generic name is different than a generic version of a medicine. In order for there to be a generic version of a medicine, the original medicine must have gone off patent and another company besides the original manufacturer must make the product.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;