Generic Agenerase

There is currently no generic Agenerase available in the United States because the medication is protected by patents. The earliest date that a generic version could become available is December 2013, when the first patent expires. While some companies claim to sell generic Agenerase now, you should be cautious of these medications, because they may be fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous.

 

Generic Agenerase: An Overview

Agenerase® (amprenavir) is a prescription AIDS and HIV medication. It is only approved for use in combination with other HIV medications -- it is not to be used alone. Agenerase belongs to a class of medications known as protease inhibitors.
 
Agenerase is made by GlaxoSmithKline. It is currently under the protection of patents that prevent any generic Agenerase from being manufactured in the United States. Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic Agenerase," you may find a number of companies selling it. The fact is that these medicines may be fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. Generic Agenerase may be available from another country, but there is really no way of knowing if you are getting genuine Agenerase or not. You should not buy any generic Agenerase until there is an approved version available.
 

When Will Generic Agenerase Be Available?

The first patent for Agenerase currently expires in December 2013. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of the drug could become available. However, other circumstances could come up to extend the exclusivity period beyond 2013. This could include things such as other patents for specific Agenerase uses or lawsuits. Once the drug goes off-patent, several companies will likely begin manufacturing a generic Agenerase drug.
 

Is Amprenavir the Same as Generic Agenerase?

No -- amprenavir is the active ingredient in Agenerase, but it is not a generic version of it. What can be confusing is that, oftentimes, the active ingredient of a drug is referred to as the "generic name." The generic name is different from 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 another company besides the original manufacturer must make the product.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;