Generic Emtriva

A patent currently prevents any generic Emtriva from being manufactured in the United States. The earliest date that a generic Emtriva could become available is in November 2010, when the first patent expires. However, other circumstances (such as lawsuits or other patents for specific Emtriva uses) could extend that date past 2010.

 

Generic Emtriva: An Overview

Emtriva® (emtricitabine) is a prescription medication used to treat HIV and AIDS. Emtriva belongs to a class of medications known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). It is approved for use only in combination with other HIV medications.
 
Emtriva is made by Gilead Sciences, Inc. It is currently under the protection of patents that prevent any generic Emtriva from being manufactured in the United States.
 

When Will Generic Emtriva Be Available?

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

Is Emtricitabine a Generic Version of Emtriva?

The answer is no. Emtricitabine sulfate is the active ingredient in Emtriva, but it is not a generic version of Emtriva. 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 than a generic version of a medicine. All medications have a generic name, regardless of whether there are generic versions available. 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) would make the product.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;