Generic Avandamet

There is currently a patent that prevents generic Avandamet products from being produced in the United States. Once this patent expires in 2012, however, several drug companies are expected to begin manufacturing a generic version of the type 2 diabetes medication.

 

Generic Avandamet: An Overview

Avandamet® (rosiglitazone and metformin) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat type 2 diabetes. The medication is actually a combination of two different diabetes drugs: rosiglitazone maleate (Avandia®) and metformin hydrochloride (Fortamet®, Glucophage®, Glucophage XR®, Glumetza®, or Riomet®).
 
Avandamet is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Avandamet from being manufactured in the United States. Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic Avandamet," you may find a number of companies selling it. The fact is, these medicines are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. There may be generic Avandamet available from another country, but there is really no way of knowing if you are getting genuine Avandamet or not. You should not buy any generic Avandamet until there is an approved generic available.
 

When Will Generic Avandamet Be Available?

The first patent for Avandamet currently expires in 2012.
 This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of Avandamet could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could arise to extend the exclusivity period of Avandamet beyond 2012. This could include such things as other patents for specific Avandamet uses or lawsuits. Once Avandamet goes off patent, there may be several companies that will begin manufacturing a generic Avandamet drug.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;