Is a Generic Version of Simcor Available?
Simcor is manufactured by Abbott Laboratories. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Simcor from being manufactured in the United States.
When Will a Generic Version Be Available?
The simvastatin component of Simcor is not protected by any patents (all the applicable patents have already expired, and simvastatin is available in generic form). However, the extended-release niacin component has several unexpired patents, the first of which is set to expire in September 2013. This is the earliest predictable date that a generic version of Simcor could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend or shorten the exclusivity period of Simcor. This could include such things as lawsuits or other patents for specific
Simcor uses. Once Simcor goes off patent, there may be several companies that will begin manufacturing a generic Simcor drug.
Can't I Just Take Niacin and Simvastatin?
Simcor can be a relatively expensive medication for some people.
Therefore, you might wonder if you could take
generic simvastatin and an inexpensive non-prescription niacin product for the same effects. Currently, there are no niacin products (prescription or non-prescription) that are equivalent to Niaspan (the extended-release niacin in Simcor). The slow-release non-prescription products (such as Slo-Niacin
®) are generally considered to be less safe than Niaspan, and the immediate-release products can be very difficult to take (due to the extreme flushing).
In some situations (and only with the approval and supervision of your healthcare provider), you might be able to safely and effectively use generic simvastatin plus a non-prescription form of niacin. However, this cannot be considered to be a completely equivalent alternative to Simcor.
