Generic Atrovent HFA

A patent currently prevents any generic Atrovent HFA from being manufactured in the United States. The earliest date that a generic version of the drug may become available is in November 2009, when the first patent expires. However, certain events (such as lawsuits or patents for specific uses) could keep generic Atrovent HFA from being sold at that time.

 

Generic Atrovent HFA: An Overview

Atrovent® HFA (ipratropium HFA inhaler) is a prescription medication used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Atrovent HFA belongs to a group of medications known as anticholinergics or antimuscarinics. The Atrovent HFA inhaler is a reformulation of the older Atrovent inhaler. Unlike the older inhaler, Atrovent HFA uses an environmentally friendly propellant that will not deplete the ozone layer.
 
Atrovent HFA is made by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Atrovent HFA from being manufactured in the United States.
 

When Will Generic Atrovent HFA Be Available?

The first patent for Atrovent HFA currently expires in November 2009. This is the earliest date that a generic version of the drug could become available. However, other circumstances could come up to extend this exclusivity period beyond 2009. This could include things such as other patents for specific Atrovent HFA uses or lawsuits. Once the patent expires, several companies will likely begin manufacturing a generic Atrovent HFA drug.
 

Is Ipratropium the Same as Generic Atrovent HFA?

No -- ipratropium is the active ingredient in Atrovent HFA (as well as in several other medications), 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;