Is a Generic Version of Alrex Available?
Alrex® (loteprednol etabonate) is a prescription eye drop approved for the treatment of eye
allergies (known medically as allergic conjunctivitis). It is a corticosteroid ("steroid").
Alrex is manufactured by Bausch & Lomb Incorporated. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Alrex from being manufactured in the United States.
When Will Generic Alrex Be Available?
There are a few different patents for Alrex, the first of which is set to expire in March 2012. This is the earliest predictable date that a generic version of Alrex could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend or shorten the exclusivity period of Alrex. This could include such things as lawsuits or other patents for specific
Alrex uses. Once the product goes off patent, there may be several companies that will manufacture a generic Alrex drug.
Is Loteprednol a Generic Alrex?
The answer is no.
Loteprednol etabonate is the active ingredient in Alrex but is not a generic version of the medication. What can be confusing is that, oftentimes, the active ingredient of any drug is referred to as the "generic name." The generic name is different from 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.
