Generic Ventolin

The earliest date that a generic version of Ventolin could become available is April 2015, when the patent for Ventolin expires. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend that date past April 2015, including other patents for specific uses of the medication or lawsuits. Because older, "traditional" albuterol inhalers will no longer be available after December 31, 2008, you should be sure to talk with your healthcare provider if you need help in affording the newer inhalers, such as Ventolin.

 

Generic Ventolin: An Overview

Ventolin HFA® (albuterol inhaler) is a prescription medication used to treat asthma and other similar lung problems. It is part of a class of asthma drugs known as beta-adrenergic receptor agonists, or beta agonists for short.
 
Ventolin is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Ventolin from being manufactured in the United States. Ventolin is one of only a few environmentally friendly albuterol inhalers. Older, "traditional" albuterol inhalers will no longer be available after December 31, 2008. None of the new inhalers have generic equivalents at this time.
 

When Will Generic Ventolin Be Available?

The first patent for Ventolin currently expires in April 2015. This is the earliest date that a generic version of Ventolin could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could arise to extend the exclusivity period of Ventolin beyond 2015. These circumstances could include things such as other patents for specific Ventolin uses or lawsuits. Once Ventolin goes off patent, there may be several companies that manufacture a generic Ventolin drug.
 

Affording Ventolin

Because there are no generic versions of the new albuterol inhalers, they are more expensive than the older albuterol inhalers. There is currently a shortage of the older inhalers, which is expected to only get worse until they are no longer available (after December 31, 2008). People will need to switch to one of the new inhalers (such as Ventolin) because albuterol is not a medication that one can "go without." If you have trouble affording the new inhalers, talk with your healthcare provider. There are programs available to help people who cannot afford the new inhalers.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;