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Generic Vivelle-Dot
There are currently no generic Vivelle-Dot products available in the U.S. Other estradiol patches are available as generics, but none of these are equivalent to Vivelle-Dot. As soon as the first patent for the medication expires in December 2012, however, other drug companies are expected to begin manufacturing generic Vivelle-Dot patches.
Generic Vivelle-Dot: An Overview
Vivelle-Dot® (estradiol patch) is a prescription estrogen hormone replacement medication. It is approved for the following uses:
- Treating menopausal symptoms, such as vaginal dryness and hot flashes
- Preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
- Replacing hormones in younger women whose ovaries do not produce enough estrogen.
Vivelle-Dot is made by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Vivelle-Dot from being sold in the United States.
When Will Generic Vivelle-Dot Be Available?
The first patent for Vivelle-Dot currently expires in December 2012. This is the earliest predictable date that a generic version of Vivelle-Dot could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend or shorten the exclusivity period of Vivelle-Dot. This could include such things as lawsuits or other patents for specific Vivelle-Dot uses. Once Vivelle-Dot goes off patent, there may be several companies that will manufacture a generic Vivelle-Dot drug.
What About Generic Estradiol Patches?
None of the generic estradiol patches currently available are equivalent to Vivelle-Dot. No other product (generic or otherwise) is equivalent to Vivelle-Dot, even though other patches with the same active ingredient in the same strength are available. Most likely, these other patches have not been shown to release estradiol at the same rate or for the same length of time as Vivelle-Dot patches.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD