Generic Cenestin

No generic versions of Cenestin (conjugated estrogens) have been approved in the United States. This medication is protected by a patent until July 2015, which prevents manufacturers from making a generic Cenestin product. However, certain circumstances could come up to extend or shorten this date, such as lawsuits or other patents for specific uses of Cenestin. It is important to note that conjugated estrogens is the "generic name" for Cenestin, not a "generic version" of the drug.

Cenestin Drug Information

Cenestin Generic: An Overview

Cenestin^® (conjugated estrogens) is a mixture of synthetic (manufactured) estrogens. It is approved for treating menopausal symptoms.

Cenestin is made by Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Cenestin from being manufactured or sold in the United States.

When Will Generic Cenestin Be Available?

The first patent for Cenestin currently expires in July 2015. This is the earliest expected date that a generic version of Cenestin could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend or shorten the exclusivity period of Cenestin. This could include things such as other patents for specific Cenestin uses or lawsuits. Once Cenestin goes off patent, there may be several companies that manufacture a generic Cenestin drug.

Is "Conjugated Estrogens" a Generic Cenestin?

No -- "conjugated estrogens" is the active ingredient in Cenestin (as well as several other products), but is not a generic version of Cenestin. What can be confusing is that, oftentimes, the active ingredient of a drug is 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 of a medicine, the original medicine must have gone off patent and another company besides the original manufacturer would make the product.