Generic Serevent

The earliest that a generic version of Serevent could become available is August 2008, when the patent for Serevent expires. Once Serevent goes off patent, there may be several companies that will start manufacturing a generic Serevent drug. Among the circumstances that could push this date past 2008 are lawsuits and other patents for specific Serevent uses.

 

An Overview of Generic Serevent

Serevent® (salmeterol xinafoate) 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.
 
Serevent is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Serevent from being manufactured in the United States.
 

When Will Generic Serevent Be Available?

The first patent for Serevent currently expires in August 2008. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of the medicine could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend the exclusivity period of Serevent beyond 2008. These circumstances could include things such as other patents for specific Serevent uses or lawsuits. Once Serevent goes off patent, there may be several companies that will begin manufacturing a generic Serevent drug.
 

Is Salmeterol a Generic Serevent?

The answer is no. Salmeterol is the active ingredient in Serevent, not a generic version of the medication. What can be confusing is that, oftentimes, the active ingredient of any drug is referred to as its "generic name." But the generic name of a medicine is different from a generic version of it. 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 have made the product.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;