Generic CombiPatch

The earliest possible date that generic CombiPatch could become available is December 2012. Until the first patent for the medication expires on this date, other drug companies cannot manufacture any generic versions of CombiPatch. You should not purchase any products claiming to be generic CombiPatch until an approved version is available.

 

Generic CombiPatch: An Overview

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

When Will Generic CombiPatch Be Available?

The first patent for CombiPatch currently expires in December 2012. This is the earliest predictable date that a generic version of CombiPatch could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend or shorten the exclusivity period of CombiPatch. This could include such things as lawsuits or other patents for specific CombiPatch uses. Once CombiPatch goes off patent, there may be several companies that will manufacture a generic CombiPatch drug.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;