Generic Combivent

Generic Combivent: An Overview

Combivent^® (ipratropium and albuterol inhaler) is a prescription medication used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Combivent contains two separate medications: ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate. Ipratropium belongs to a group of medications known as anticholinergics or antimuscarinics, and albuterol is part of a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic receptor agonists, or beta agonists for short.

 

Combivent is made by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Combivent from being manufactured in the United States.

 

When Will Generic Combivent Be Available?

The first patent for Combivent currently expires in June 2015. This is the earliest date that a generic version of the drug could become available. However, other circumstances could come up to extend the exclusivity period beyond 2015. This could include things such as other patents for specific Combivent uses or lawsuits. Once the patent expires, several companies will likely begin manufacturing a generic Combivent drug.

 

Is Ipratropium and Albuterol the Same as Generic Combivent?

No -- ipratropium and albuterol are the active ingredients in Combivent, but they are not generic versions 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.