Generic Olopatadine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution

 Olopatadine ophthalmic solution (Patanol^®) is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic versions from being manufactured in the United States. The first patent for olopatadine ophthalmic solution is currently set to expire in December 2010, although Alcon also has a patent for this medication that expires significantly later (June 2015). A few different manufacturers of generic drugs have challenged one or both of these patents, and Alcon has sued these companies for patent infringement. At this time, it is not clear when a generic olopatadine ophthalmic solution will become available, as not all of these lawsuits have been resolved.

 

It is important to note that olopatadine is the active ingredient in Patanol (as well as in Pataday™ eyedrops and Patanase^® nasal spray); it is not a generic version of Patanol. In order for there to be a generic version, the original medicine must have gone off-patent and another company besides the original manufacturer must make the product.