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Generic Qvar
It is difficult to predict when a generic version of Qvar may become available. The first patents for the drug have already expired, so perhaps there are other, unexpired patents protecting Qvar from generic competition. 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.
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 Teva Specialty Pharmaceuticals. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Qvar from being manufactured in the United States.
The first patents for Qvar have already expired. It is unclear why generic versions are not yet available. Perhaps the other listed patents (the next of which is set to expire in July 2010) provide protection against generic competition.
When multiple patents are listed (as is the case with Qvar), it is often unclear which patents provide true protection against generic competition. Therefore, it is difficult, if not impossible, to predict when exactly a generic Qvar will become available.
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.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD