Generic Tricor

There is currently no generic Tricor available on the market. However, a number of companies are expected to begin manufacturing a generic version of Tricor after the patent for Tricor expires in 2009. 

 

Generic Tricor: An Overview

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

When Will There Be a Generic Tricor?

The first patent for Tricor currently expires in 2009. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of Tricor could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend the exclusivity period of Tricor beyond 2009. This could include such things as other patents for specific Tricor uses or lawsuits. Once Tricor goes off patent, there may be several companies that manufacture a generic Tricor drug.
 

Is Fenofibrate a Generic Tricor?

No, it isn't.
 Fenofibrate is Tricor's active ingredient, not a generic version of the drug. People often make the mistake of referring to a drug's active ingredient as its "generic name." However, a medicine's generic name is different than 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.
  
You can also learn about alternatives to Tricor by going to Tricor Alternatives.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;