Generic Combivent

A patent currently prevents any generic Combivent from being manufactured in the United States. The earliest date that a generic version of the medication could become available is in June 2015, when the first patent expires. However, lawsuits or other patents for specific uses of the drug could delay the availability of generic Combivent.

Combivent Inhaler Information

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.

Combivent inhalers (in their current form) will not be made, dispensed, or sold in the United States after December 31, 2013. Combivent contains chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), chemicals that deplete the ozone layer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set this final date for this medication in order to comply with the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer. The manufacturer of Combivent is working on a reformulated, CFC-free version and hopes it will be available to consumers in time for the 2013 phase-out of the old formulation.

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.

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