Is There a Generic Version of Astelin?
Astelin® (
azelastine hydrochloride) is a prescription nasal spray used to treat nasal
allergies (known medically as allergic rhinitis), as well as nasal symptoms caused by irritants (known as vasomotor rhinitis). It belongs to a group of medications known as antihistamines.
Astelin is manufactured by Meda Pharmaceuticals, Inc. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic version from being manufactured in the United States. Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic Astelin," you may find a number of companies selling it. The fact is that these medicines may be fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. Generic versions of Astelin may be available from another country, but there is really no way of knowing if you are getting genuine Astelin. You should not buy any generic version of this drug until there is an approved version available.
When Will Generic Astelin Be Available?
The first patent for Astelin currently expires in May 2011.
However, Meda Pharmaceuticals has an agreement with one generic manufacturer (Apotex) to allow a generic version of Astelin as early as March 2010. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of the drug could become available. However, other circumstances could come up to extend the exclusivity period beyond 2011. This could include such things as other patents for specific
Astelin uses or lawsuits. Once the patent expires, several companies will likely begin manufacturing generic Astelin.
