Generic Xopenex

Only the concentrate version of Xopenex is available in generic form (levalbuterol 1.25 mg/0.5 mL vials). The first patent for brand-name Xopenex is set to expire in January 2010. However, due to settlements between drug manufacturers (and possible other patents), it's hard to say when generic versions will be available for the other strengths of the medicine.

Xopenex Inhaler

Generic Xopenex: An Overview

Xopenex^® (levalbuterol hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used to treat asthma and other similar respiratory problems. It is part of a class of asthma drugs known as beta-adrenergic receptor agonists, or beta agonists for short.

Xopenex is manufactured by Sepracor, Inc. At this time, only one strength of Xopenex is available in generic form. It is difficult to predict when exactly the other strengths will become available as generics.

Generic Xopenex Strengths

Brand-name Xopenex is available in four strengths:

Xopenex 0.31 mg/3 mL vials
Xopenex 0.63 mg/3 mL vials
Xopenex 1.25 mg/3 mL vials
Xopenex Concentrate 1.25 mg/0.5 mL vials (which must be diluted before use).

However, only the concentrate form (levalbuterol 1.25 mg/0.5 mL vials) is available in generic form at this time. This generic product is made by Dey, L.P. for Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Future Availability of Generic Xopenex

It is difficult to predict when exactly the other strengths of Xopenex will become available. The first patent for Xopenex currently expires in January 2010. However, in settlements between Sepracor and generic manufacturers, Sepracor will allow the generic companies to make a generic version of Xopenex "early" in 2012 or 2013. This suggests that other later patents (beyond the initial patent expiration of January 2010) will protect the drug from generic competition.