Generic Qvar

The earliest possible date that generic Qvar inhalers could become available is November 2009, when the drug's patent with Ivax Pharmaceuticals expires. Many people are under the impression that beclomethasone dipropionate is the generic version of Qvar. Beclomethasone dipropionate is actually the active ingredient of the medication -- not a generic Qvar.

 

Generic Qvar: An Overview

Qvar® (beclomethasone inhaler) is a prescription medication used to prevent asthma attacks. It is part of a class of asthma drugs known as inhaled corticosteroids.
 
Qvar is manufactured by Ivax Pharmaceuticals, a division of Teva Pharmaceuticals. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Qvar from being manufactured in the United States.
 

When Will Generic Qvar Be Available?

The first patent for Qvar currently expires in November 2009. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of Qvar could become available. However, there are circumstances that could come up to extend the exclusivity period of Qvar beyond 2009. This could include such things as other patents for specific Qvar uses or lawsuits. Once Qvar goes off patent, there may be several companies that will begin manufacturing a generic Qvar product.
 

Is Beclomethasone a Generic Qvar?

The answer is no. Beclomethasone dipropionate is the active ingredient in Qvar (as well as other medications) but is not a generic version of the medication. 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 would make the product.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;