Generic Combivir

A patent currently prevents any generic Combivir from being manufactured in the United States until 2010. So-called generic versions of the drug may be available in other countries, but there is no way to verify its authenticity and safety. The same is true with generic Combivir that you may find on the Internet. It's best to wait until an approved generic version is available.

 

Generic Combivir: An Overview

Combivir® (lamivudine/zidovudine) is a prescription HIV and AIDS medication. It is part of a group of medications known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs).
 
Combivir is made by GlaxoSmithKline. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Combivir from being manufactured in the United States. Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic Combivir," you may find a number of companies selling it. The fact is that these medicines may be fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. Generic Combivir may be available from another country, but there is really no way of knowing if you are getting genuine Combivir or not. You should not buy any generic Combivir until there is an approved version available.
 

When Will Generic Combivir Be Available?

The first patent for Combivir currently expires in May 2010. 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 2010. This could include such things as other patents for specific Combivir uses or lawsuits. Once the patent expires, several companies will likely begin manufacturing generic Combivir.
 

Is Lamivudine/Zidovudine the Same as Generic Combivir?

No -- lamivudine and zidovudine are the active ingredients in Combivir, but are not a generic version of it. What can be confusing is that, oftentimes, the active ingredient of any 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;