Is a Generic Version of Betimol Available?
Betimol® (
timolol) is a prescription eye drop approved for the treatment of
glaucoma and high eye pressure. It belongs to a group of medications known as
beta blockers and is used once or twice a day.
Betimol is made by Santen Pharmaceutical Co. and is marketed and distributed by VISTAKON Pharmaceuticals, LLC. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Betimol from being manufactured in the United States.
When Will Generic Betimol Be Available?
The first patent for Betimol currently expires in July 2010; this is the earliest predictable date that a generic version of Betimol could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend or shorten the exclusivity period of Betimol. This could include such things as lawsuits or other patents for specific
Betimol uses. Once the medication goes off patent, there may be several companies that will begin manufacturing a generic Betimol drug.
Is Timolol a Generic Form of Betimol?
The answer is no. Timolol is the active ingredient in Betimol but is not a generic version of the medication. All other timolol medications contain timolol maleate, which is slightly different from just timolol. While there are probably no significant differences between Betimol and generic timolol eye drops, such products are not technically equivalent or interchangeable. If you would like to use a generic timolol eye drop, ask your healthcare provider about switching.
