Generic Alora

Although other estrogen patches are available as a generic, Alora is not. The earliest possible date that a generic version of the drug could become available is December 2010, when the first patent for the medication expires. Until then, you should not buy any so-called "generic Alora" products that you find on the Internet, as these medicines are probably fake.

 

Generic Alora: An Overview

Alora® (estradiol patch) is a prescription estrogen hormone replacement medication. It is approved for the following uses:
 
  • Preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
  • Treating menopausal symptoms, such as vaginal dryness and hot flashes
  • Replacing hormones in younger women whose ovaries do not produce enough estrogen.
     
Alora is made by Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Alora from being manufactured in the United States. Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic Alora," you may find a number of companies selling it. The fact is that these medicines may be fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. Generic Alora may be available from another country, but there is really no way of knowing whether you are getting genuine Alora. You should not buy any generic Alora until there is an approved generic version available.
 

When Will Generic Alora Be Available?

The first patent for Alora currently expires in December 2010. This is the earliest predictable date that a generic version of the drug 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 Alora uses. Once the patent expires, several companies will likely begin manufacturing a generic Alora drug.
 
(Generic Alora Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;