Generic Exforge

The earliest possible date that generic Exforge could become available is June 2010, when the drug's patent with Novartis Pharmaceuticals expires. As long as lawsuits or other patents do not arise to extend the exclusivity period of the blood pressure medication beyond 2010, several companies are expected to begin manufacturing generic Exforge products at that time.

 

Generic Exforge: An Overview

Exforge® (amlodipine and valsartan) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (known medically as hypertension).
 
Currently, Exforge is made by Novartis Pharmaceuticals. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Exforge from being manufactured in the United States.
 

When Will Generic Exforge Be Available?

The first patent for Exforge currently expires in June 2010. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of Exforge could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend the exclusivity period of Exforge beyond 2010. This could include such things as other patents for specific Exforge uses or lawsuits. Once the drug goes off patent, several companies may begin manufacturing a generic Exforge drug.
 

Exforge: A Combination Medication

Exforge contains two medications:
 amlodipine (Norvasc®) and valsartan (Diovan®). While amlodipine is available in generic versions, valsartan is not. In general, it is less expensive to take Exforge rather than amlodipine and valsartan separately, and you will benefit from the convenience of taking one tablet daily, rather than two.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;