Generic Cozaar

Although generic Cozaar currently does not exist, it may become available as early as 2010, when Cozaar's first patent expires. Unless any lawsuits or new patents arise that may extend the exclusivity period for the medicine, several drug companies will most likely begin manufacturing a generic version of the drug after the first patent expires. Until an approved version becomes available on the market, do not purchase any so-called generic Cozaar medicines -- they are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous.

 

Generic Cozaar: An Overview

Cozaar® (losartan potassium) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and diabetic nephropathy. Cozaar is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs for short). As the name of the drug class implies, Cozaar 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, Cozaar causes blood vessels to relax, which can lower blood pressure.
 
Cozaar is manufactured by Merck & Co. It is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic Cozaar from being manufactured.
 
Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic Cozaar," you may find a number of companies selling it. The fact is, these medicines are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. You should not buy any generic Cozaar until there is an approved generic available.
 

Cozaar Patent Expiration

The first patent for Cozaar currently expires in 2010.
 This is the earliest date that a generic version of Cozaar could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend the exclusivity period of Cozaar beyond 2010. This could include such things as lawsuits or other patents for specific Cozaar uses. Once Cozaar goes off patent, there may be several companies that manufacture a generic Cozaar drug.
 
(Generic Cozaar Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;