Is There a Generic Version of Nasonex?
Nasonex® (
mometasone nasal spray) is a prescription nasal spray used to treat nasal
allergies (known medically as allergic rhinitis) and nasal polyps. It belongs to a group of medications known as corticosteroids (or simply "steroids" for short).
Nasonex is manufactured by Schering-Plough Corporation. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Nasonex from being manufactured in the United States.
When Will a Generic Version Be Available?
The first patent for Nasonex currently expires in July 2014. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of Nasonex could become available. However, there are circumstances that could come up to extend the exclusivity period of Nasonex beyond 2014. This could include things such as other patents for specific
Nasonex uses or lawsuits.
Once Nasonex goes off patent, there may be several companies that manufacture a generic Nasonex product.
Is Mometasone a Generic Nasonex?
No, it isn't.
Mometasone is the active ingredient in Nasonex (as well as other medications), but it is not a generic version of Nasonex. What can be confusing is that, oftentimes, the active ingredient of a drug is referred to as the "generic name."
The generic name is different than 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) would make the product.
