Generic Patanase

Patanase (olopatadine nasal spray) is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Patanase products from being manufactured. The earliest possible date that a generic version of the nasal spray could become available is April 2011. Unless other circumstances arise to extend or shorten the exclusivity period of the medication, other companies are expected to begin manufacturing generic Patanase products at that time.

 

Generic Patanase: An Overview

Patanase® (olopatadine nasal spray) is a prescription nasal spray used to treat nasal allergies (known medically as allergic rhinitis). It belongs to a group of medications known as antihistamines.
 
Patanase is manufactured by Alcon Laboratories, Inc. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Patanase from being manufactured in the United States.
 

When Will Generic Patanase Be Available?

Alcon holds the exclusive rights to market Patanase until April 2011. This is the earliest predictable date that a generic version of Patanase could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend or shorten the exclusivity period of Patanase. This could include such things as lawsuits or other patents for new Patanase uses. Once Patanase goes off patent, there may be several companies that will begin manufacturing a generic Patanase drug.
 

Is Olopatadine a Generic Patanase?

The answer is no. Olopatadine is the active ingredient in Patanase (as well as a few other medications) 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.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;