Generic Hyzaar

A patent currently prevents any generic Hyzaar from being manufactured. However, there are places that claim to sell a "generic Hyzaar," but be advised that these drugs are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. The earliest date that a generic verion of Hyzaar would become available is 2009, after the patent expires.

 

Generic for Hyzaar: An Overview

Hyzaar® (losartan potassium-hydrochlorothiazide) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Hyzaar is manufactured by Merck & Co. It is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic Hyzaar from being manufactured.
 

When Will a Generic Hyzaar Be Available?

The first patent for Hyzaar currently expires in 2009. This is the earliest date that a generic version of Hyzaar could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend the exclusivity period of Hyzaar beyond 2009. This could include such things as lawsuits or other patents for specific Hyzaar uses. Once Hyzaar goes off patent, there may be several companies that manufacture a generic Hyzaar drug.
 

Is Losartan-Hydrochlorothiazide a Generic Hyzaar?

The answer is no.
 Losartan and hydrochlorothiazide are the active ingredients in Hyzaar, but they are not generic versions of Hyzaar. Oftentimes, the active ingredient of a drug is referred to as the "generic name." The generic name is different than a generic version of a medicine. In order for there to be a generic version of a medicine, the original medicine must have gone off patent, and then another company (besides the original manufacturer) would make the product.
 
Keep in mind that if you search the Internet for "generic Hyzaar," 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 Hyzaar 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;