Generic Nasacort AQ

There are currently no generic Nasacort AQ products available on the market. The earliest possible date that a generic version of the nasal spray could become available is July 2016, when the patent for the drug expires. As soon as this happens, several drug companies are expected to begin manufacturing generic Nasacort AQ, although lawsuits or patents for specific uses could delay this.

 

Generic Nasacort AQ: An Overview

Nasacort AQ® (triamcinolone nasal spray) is a prescription medication used to treat nasal allergies (known medically as allergic rhinitis). It belongs to a group of medications known as corticosteroids (or simply "steroids" for short). It can be used in adults and children as young as six years old.
 
Nasacort AQ is manufactured by sanofi-aventis. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Nasacort AQ from being manufactured in the United States. It is important to note that generic fluticasone propionate nasal spray is not a generic version of Nasacort AQ -- it is a generic version of Flonase®, a similar medication.
 

When Will Generic Nasacort AQ Be Available?

The first patent for Nasacort AQ currently expires in July 2016. 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 2016. This could include such things as patents for specific Nasacort AQ uses or lawsuits. Once the patent expires, several companies will likely begin manufacturing generic Nasacort AQ.
 

Is Triamcinolone the Same as Generic Nasacort AQ?

No -- triamcinolone is the active ingredient in Nasacort AQ (as well as in several other medications), but is not a generic version of it. 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.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;