Generic Lescol

A generic Lescol is not expected to be manufactured until 2012, when the current patent for Lescol expires. It is important to realize that although there are a number of companies claiming to sell generic Lescol, these drugs are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. Do not purchase any so-called generic forms of Lescol until there is an approved version available.

 

Generic Lescol: An Overview

Lescol® (fluvastatin sodium) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat several conditions. These Lescol uses include the:
 
Lescol is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals and is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic Lescol from being manufactured.
 
Yet, search the Internet for "generic Lescol" and you will find a number of companies selling it. The fact is, these medicines are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. You should not buy any generic Lescol until there is an approved generic version available.
 

When Will There Be a Generic Lescol?

The patent for Lescol currently expires in 2012. It is expected that once Lescol goes off patent, there are several companies that will begin manufacturing a generic Lescol drug. Normally, in the United States, one company is given 180 days of exclusivity to manufacture a generic version. After 180 days, it would be expected that a number of other manufacturers of generic medications will also begin making a generic Lescol.
 

Is Fluvastatin Sodium a Generic Lescol?

The answer is no.
 Fluvastatin sodium is the active ingredient in Lescol but is not a generic version of Lescol. Oftentimes, the active ingredient of any drug is referred to as the "generic name." The generic name, however, is different than 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 would make the product.
 
You can learn about alternatives to Lescol by going to the full eMedTV article Lescol Alternatives. There are some statins that are available as a generic.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;