Generic Atacand

A patent currently prevents any generic form of Atacand from being manufactured. Therefore, be advised that any "generic Atacand" currently for sale is fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. In 2011, the patent for Atacand will expire -- this will be the earliest date a generic form of Atacand could become available.

 

Generic for Atacand: An Overview

Atacand® (candesartan cilexetil) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and congestive heart failure. Atacand is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers, or ARBs for short. As the names implies, Atacand blocks angiotensin II receptors. This decreases the effectiveness of a chemical known as angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking the effects of angiotensin II, Atacand causes blood vessels to relax, which can lower blood pressure. It also allows the heart to work more efficiently.
 
Atacand is manufactured by AstraZeneca. It is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic Atacand from being manufactured.
 
Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic Atacand," 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 generic Atacand until there is an approved generic version available.
 

When Will There Be a Generic Atacand?

The first patent for Atacand currently expires in 2011.
 This is the earliest date that a generic version of Atacand could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend the exclusivity period of Atacand beyond 2011. This could include such things as other patents for specific Atacand uses or lawsuits. Once Atacand goes off patent, there may be several companies that manufacture a generic Atacand drug.
 
(Generic Atacand Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;