Norvasc Generic

A Norvasc generic will not be manufactured until the current patent expires in 2007. While multiple companies are expected to make a Norvasc generic drug once the patent expires, Mylan Pharmaceuticals has already received final approval to make three different strengths of generic Norvasc: Amlodipine Besylate tablets 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg.

 

Norvasc Generic: An Overview

Norvasc® (its generic name is amlodipine besylate) is a prescription medicine that has been approved for use in treating high blood pressure (hypertension) and certain types of angina (chronic stable angina, Prinzmetal's, and variant angina), along with reducing the chances for angioplasty or bypass surgery in those with coronary artery disease.
 
Norvasc is manufactured by Pfizer and is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic Norvasc from being manufactured.
 

When Will a Norvasc Generic Be Available?

The patent for Norvasc expires in September 2007.
 It is expected that once Norvasc goes off patent, there will be several companies making a Norvasc generic drug. In fact, Mylan Pharmaceuticals has already received final approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manufacture three strengths of generic Norvasc: Amlodipine Besylate tablets 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg.
 
Mylan Pharmaceuticals will have 180 days of exclusivity for all strengths of generic Norvasc as soon as the launch of the generic Norvasc occurs or a final court decision concerning the pending lawsuit between Pfizer and Mylan is made, whichever comes first.
 
After 180 days, it is expected that several other manufacturers of generic medications will begin making a generic Norvasc.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;