Generic Singulair

A patent currently prevents any generic Singulair from being manufactured. The patent is not set to expire until 2012; however, patents for specific uses for the drug or lawsuits could extend this exclusivity period. Once it is approved, generic Singulair will likely be used to treat asthma and nasal allergies, just as with the brand-name version.

 

Generic Singulair: An Overview

Singulair® (montelukast sodium) is a prescription medication used to treat the following conditions:
 
Singulair is manufactured by Merck & Co. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Singulair from being manufactured in the United States.
 

When Will Generic Singulair Be Available?

The first patent for Singulair currently expires in August 2012. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of the drug could become available. However, circumstances could come up to extend this exclusivity period. This could include such things as other patents for specific Singulair uses or lawsuits. Once the patent expires, several companies will likely begin manufacturing a generic Singulair product.
 

Is Montelukast a Generic Singulair?

No -- montelukast is the active ingredient in Singulair, 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.
 
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;