Generic Ziagen

There are currently no generic versions of Ziagen manufactured in the United States because the medication is protected by patents. The earliest date that a generic Ziagen could become available is in December 2009, when the first patent for Ziagen expires. However, some companies claim to currently sell a generic Ziagen. You should be cautious of these medications because you may be getting a fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous medication.

 

Generic Ziagen: An Overview

Ziagen® (abacavir sulfate) is a prescription medication used to treat HIV and AIDS. It belongs to a class of medications known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Ziagen is approved to be used only in combination with other HIV medications.
 
Ziagen is made by GlaxoSmithKline. It is currently under the protection of patents that prevent any generic Ziagen from being manufactured in the United States. However, if you search the Internet for "generic Ziagen," you may find a number of companies selling it. The fact is that these medicines may be fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. There may be a generic form of Ziagen available from another country, but there is really no way of knowing if you are getting genuine Ziagen or not. Therefore, you should not buy any generic Ziagen until there is an approved generic available.
 

When Will Generic Ziagen Be Available?

The first patent for Ziagen currently expires in December 2009. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of Ziagen could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend the exclusivity period of Ziagen beyond 2009. This could include things such as other patents for specific Ziagen uses or lawsuits. Once Ziagen goes off patent, there may be several companies that manufacture a generic Ziagen drug.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;