Generic for Diovan: An Overview
Diovan® (
valsartan) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to
treat high blood pressure (
hypertension) and
congestive heart failure, as well as to help improve survival following a
heart attack. Diovan is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers, or ARBs for short. As the names implies, Diovan 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, Diovan causes blood vessels to relax, which can
lower blood pressure. It also allows the heart to work more efficiently.
Diovan is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals. It is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic Diovan from being manufactured.
Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic Diovan," 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 until there is an approved generic available.
When Will There Be a Generic Diovan?
The first patent for Diovan currently expires in 2012.
This is the earliest that a generic version of Diovan could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could extend the exclusivity period for Diovan beyond 2012. These could include such things as other patents for specific
Diovan uses or lawsuits. Once Diovan goes off patent, there may be several companies that manufacture a generic Diovan drug.
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