An Introduction to Generic Xalatan
Xalatan® (
latanoprost ophthalmic solution) is a prescription eye drop used to treat
glaucoma and high eye pressure (known medically as ocular
hypertension). It belongs to a group of medications known as prostaglandins.
This medicine is manufactured by Pfizer, Inc. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Xalatan from being manufactured in the United States.
When Will a Generic Xalatan Be Available?
The first patent for Xalatan is set to expire in September 2009. This is the earliest predictable date that a generic version could become available. However, circumstances could come up to extend or shorten the exclusivity period, such as lawsuits or patents for new
Xalatan uses. Once the patent expires, several companies likely will manufacture a generic Xalatan drug.
Is Latanoprost a Generic Xalatan?
No -- latanoprost is the active ingredient in Xalatan, but is not a generic version of it. What can be confusing is that, oftentimes, the active ingredient of a 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, the original medicine must have gone off-patent and another company besides the original manufacturer must make the product.
