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Generic Trelstar
Trelstar (triptorelin pamoate) is currently sold as a brand-name drug only. The earliest predictable date that a generic version would become available is July 2015, when the patent for the drug expires. In the meantime, it's important to remember that triptorelin, the active ingredient, is not a generic version of Trelstar; it is the generic name.
from eMedTV.comTrelstar® (triptorelin pamoate) is a prescription medication approved for the management of advanced prostate cancer. It helps slow the growth of prostate cancer cells, but does not cure the condition.
Trelstar is manufactured by Debio RP for Watson Pharma, Inc. It is protected by a patent that prevents any generic versions from being manufactured in the United States.
When Will a Generic Version Be Available?
The patent for Trelstar expires in July 2015. This is the earliest predictable date that a generic version could become available. However, other circumstances could come up to extend or shorten the exclusivity period. This could include such things as lawsuits or other patents for specific Trelstar uses. Once the patent expires, there may be several companies that manufacture a generic Trelstar drug.Is Triptorelin a Generic Trelstar?
No -- triptorelin is the active ingredient in Trelstar, but is not a generic version of it. What can be confusing is that the active ingredient of any drug is often 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, the original medicine must have gone off-patent and another company besides the original manufacturer must make the product.
Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD