At this time, a patent prohibits any generic valacyclovir from being manufactured. Some companies claim to sell a generic version, but those medications are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. The earliest date that a generic valacyclovir could become available is 2009, when the patent expires. However, lawsuits or patents for other uses could extend that date past 2009.
An Introduction to Generic Valacyclovir
Valacyclovir hydrochloride (
Valtrex®) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat
shingles,
cold sores, and
genital herpes. It can also be used on a daily basis to prevent recurring outbreaks of genital herpes and to decrease the chance of spreading genital herpes to sexual partners.
Valacyclovir is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. It is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic valacyclovir from being manufactured. Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic valacyclovir," 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 so-called generic valacyclovir until there is an approved generic version available.
When Will There Be a Generic Valacyclovir?
The first patent for valacyclovir currently expires in 2009. This is the earliest date that a generic version of valacyclovir could become available. However, other circumstances could extend the exclusivity period of valacyclovir beyond 2009. This could include such things as other patents for specific valacyclovir uses or lawsuits. Once valacyclovir goes off-patent, several companies will likely begin manufacturing a generic valacyclovir drug.
Is Valacyclovir a Generic Valtrex?
The answer is no. Valacyclovir is the active ingredient in Valtrex, but it is not a generic version of Valtrex. 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 of a medicine, the original medicine must have gone off-patent and another company (besides the original manufacturer) must make the product.
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