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. However, due to a settlement between sanofi-aventis and a generic manufacturer, a generic version of Nasacort AQ is expected to become available as early as June 2011.
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.
