There is no generic Clarinex currently available, and there likely won't be one until at least 2009, when the first patent expires. However, some companies sell potentially dangerous medications that they claim are generic versions of Clarinex. Don't buy any alleged generic Clarinex until an approved version is available. Another common misconception is that desloratadine is a generic version of Clarinex; in fact, it is Clarinex's active ingredient.
Generic Clarinex: An Overview
- Relief of seasonal allergy symptoms (hay fever)
- Relief of indoor allergy symptoms
- Treatment of chronic (long-term) hives and itching.
Clarinex is manufactured by Schering and is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic Clarinex from being manufactured. Despite this, search the Internet for "generic Clarinex," 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 Clarinex until there is an approved generic form available.
When Will There Be a Generic Clarinex?
The first patent for Clarinex currently expires in March 2009.
This is the earliest predictable date that a generic version of Clarinex could become available. However, circumstances could extend this exclusivity period beyond 2009. This could include such things as other patents for specific Clarinex uses or lawsuits.
It should be noted that lawsuits concerning generic Clarinex have already occurred and have been settled. In the settlement agreements, certain generic manufacturers will be allowed to sell a generic Clarinex "early," no later than July 2012. These settlements suggest that there is good reason to believe that other Clarinex patents that expire after the first one will provide significant patent protection for the medication.
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