Generic Diovan HCT

A patent currently prohibits any generic Diovan HCT from being manufactured and sold. The earliest that a generic version of Diovan HCT could become available is in 2012, when the patent for Diovan HCT expires. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend the exclusivity period for Diovan HCT beyond that date, such as other patents for specific Diovan HCT uses or lawsuits. While you may find a number of companies claiming to sell a "generic Diovan HCT," you should be advised that these medications are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous -- and should not be purchased

 

Generic for Diovan HCT: An Overview

Diovan HCT® (valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Diovan HCT is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals. It is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic Diovan HCT from being manufactured. Once Diovan HCT goes off patent, there may be several companies that manufacture a generic Diovan HCT drug.
 

When Will a Generic Diovan HCT Be Available?

The first patent for Diovan HCT currently expires in 2012. This is the earliest date that a generic version of Diovan HCT could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend the exclusivity period for Diovan HCT beyond 2012. These could include such things as other patents for specific Diovan HCT uses or lawsuits. Once Diovan HCT goes off patent, there may be several companies that manufacture a generic Diovan HCT drug.
 

Is Telmisartan and Hydrochlorothiazide a Generic Diovan HCT?

No, it isn't.
 Telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide are the active ingredients in Diovan HCT, not a generic version of the drug. People often make the mistake of referring to a drug's active ingredient as its "generic name." However, a medicine's generic name is different than a generic version of it. In order for there to be a generic version of a medicine, the original medicine must have gone off patent and another company (besides the original manufacturer) must have made the product.

 

Keep in mind that if you search the Internet for "generic Diovan HCT," 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 Diovan HCT until there is an approved generic available.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;