Is a Generic Version of Elestat Available?
Elestat is manufactured by Allergan, Inc. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Elestat from being manufactured in the United States.
When Will Generic Elestat Be Available?
The first patent for Elestat currently expires in November 2020. This is the earliest predictable date that a generic version of Elestat could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend or shorten the exclusivity period of Elestat. This could include such things as lawsuits or other patents for specific
Elestat uses. Once Elestat goes off patent, there may be several companies that will manufacture a generic Elestat drug.
Is Epinastine a Generic Elestat?
The answer is no.
Epinastine hydrochloride is the active ingredient in Elestat 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.
