Generic Epzicom: An Overview
Epzicom™ (
abacavir/lamivudine) is a prescription
HIV and
AIDS medication. It contains two different medications, both of which belong to a group of medications known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). It is approved to be used only in combination with other HIV medications.
Epzicom is made by GlaxoSmithKline. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Epzicom from being manufactured in the United States.
When Will Generic Epzicom Be Available?
The first patent for Epzicom currently expires in December 2009. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of Epzicom could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend the exclusivity period of Epzicom beyond 2009. This could include such things as other patents for specific
Epzicom uses or lawsuits. Once Epzicom goes off patent, there may be several companies that will begin manufacturing a generic Epzicom drug.
Is Abacavir/Lamivudine a Generic Epzicom?
The answer is no.
Abacavir and
lamivudine are the active ingredients in Epzicom but are not a generic version of the medication. 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 would make the product.
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print