A generic irbesartan medicine is not expected to become available until 2011 at the earliest, when the current patent expires. However, patents for specific uses may extend the exclusivity period beyond this time. Until the drug comes off-patent, you should not purchase any so-called generic irbesartan products because these drugs are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous.
Generic Irbesartan: An Overview
Irbesartan (
Avapro®) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat
high blood pressure (
hypertension) and diabetic nephropathy. It is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs for short). As the name implies, irbesartan blocks angiotensin II receptors. This decreases the effectiveness of a chemical known as angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking the effects of angiotensin II, irbesartan causes blood vessels to relax, which can
lower blood pressure.
Irbesartan is manufactured and sold through a partnership between two pharmaceutical companies -- Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and Sanofi-Aventis. It is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic irbesartan from being manufactured.
Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic irbesartan," you may find a number of companies selling it. The fact is that these medicines are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. You should not buy any generic irbesartan until there is an approved generic version available.
When Will a Generic Irbesartan Be Available?
The first patent for irbesartan currently expires in 2011.
This is the earliest date that a generic irbesartan could become available. However, other circumstances could extend the exclusivity period beyond 2011. This could include such things as other patents for specific irbesartan uses or lawsuits. Once irbesartan goes off-patent, several companies may begin manufacturing a generic irbesartan.
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