Generic AZOR

There are currently no generic AZOR (amlodipine and olmesartan) products available on the market. When the first patent for the medication expires in April 2016, however, a number of drug companies may begin manufacturing a generic version of AZOR. This date may be pushed back if certain circumstances come up, such as lawsuits or other patents for specific uses of AZOR.

 

Generic AZOR: An Overview

AZOR™ (amlodipine and olmesartan) is a prescription medicine that is a combination of two different high blood pressure medications, amlodipine (Norvasc®) and olmesartan (Benicar®). The drug is made by Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic AZOR from being manufactured in the United States.
 

When Will Generic AZOR Be Available?

The first patent for AZOR currently expires in April 2016. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of AZOR could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend the exclusivity period of AZOR beyond 2016. This could include things such as other patents for specific AZOR uses or lawsuits. Once AZOR goes off patent, there may be several companies that manufacture a generic AZOR drug.
 

Is It Cheaper to Take Olmesartan and Amlodipine Separately?

For some people, taking AZOR is less expensive than taking the two medications separately (even if generic amlodipine is used).
 This may be especially true for many people who have insurance coverage and only have to pay one copay for AZOR, rather than two copays if the two medications are taken separately. Of course, this may not be true in all situations, so be sure to ask your pharmacist if you are concerned about the least expensive way to obtain your medications.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;