Generic Foradil

There is currently no generic version of Foradil because it is protected by a patent. The patent expires in March 2019, at which time generic Foradil could be produced in the United States. However, circumstances could extend that date, including other patents for specific uses of the medication or lawsuits. As with the brand-name version, generic Foradil would be used to treat asthma and COPD.

 

Generic Foradil: An Overview

Foradil® (formoterol fumarate) is a prescription medication used to treat asthma and other similar lung problems. It is part of a class of asthma drugs known as beta-adrenergic receptor agonists, or beta agonists for short.
 
Foradil is manufactured by Schering-Plough Corporation. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Foradil from being manufactured in the United States.
 

When Will Generic Foradil Be Available?

The first patent for Foradil currently expires in March 2019. This is the earliest date that a generic version of Foradil could become available. However, other circumstances could come up to extend the exclusivity period of the drug beyond 2019. This could include things such as other patents for specific Foradil uses or lawsuits. Once the patent expires, several companies will likely begin manufacturing a generic Foradil drug.
 

Is Formoterol a Generic Foradil?

No -- formoterol is the active ingredient in Foradil, but 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;