Generic Travatan

At this time, Travatan (travoprost ophthalmic solution) is not available as a generic. Travatan is currently being protected by patents that prevent any generic versions of the medication from being manufactured or sold. When the first patent expires in August 2013, however, other drug companies can begin manufacturing generic Travatan products, provided things like lawsuits or new patents do not extend the exclusivity period.

Travatan Eye Drops

An Overview of Generic Travatan

Travatan^® (travoprost ophthalmic solution) is a prescription eyedrop. It is used to treat high eye pressure and open-angle glaucoma.

The medication is manufactured by Alcon Laboratories, Inc. It is currently under the protection of patents that prevent any generic Travatan from being manufactured and sold in the United States.

When Will a Generic Version of Travatan Be Available?

The first patent for Travatan is currently set to expire in August 2013. This is the earliest predictable date that a generic version of Travatan could become available. However, other circumstances could come up to extend or shorten the exclusivity period. This could include such things as lawsuits or other patents for new Travatan uses. Once the patent expires, several companies will likely begin manufacturing a generic Travatan drug.

Is Travoprost the Same as Generic Travatan?

No -- travoprost is the active ingredient in Travatan, 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.