Generic Allegra-D: An Overview
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 could be fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous.
You should not buy any generic Allegra-D until there is an approved generic available.
When Will Generic Allegra-D Be Available?
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.
Although the first Allegra-D patent does not expire until 2012, a generic version of Allegra-D is expected much sooner. Due to a lawsuit settlement between the manufacturer of Allegra-D and a generic manufacturer, there is likely to be a generic version available as soon as November 2009.
Is Fexofenadine and Pseudoephedrine the Same as 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.
