There are no generic Enablex products available at this time. The medication is currently protected by a patent that prevents any companies from manufacturing a generic version. When this patent expires in March 2010, other companies can begin producing a generic form of the medication. Until then, you should not purchase any so-called "generic Enablex" because these medicines could be fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous.
Generic Enablex: An Overview
Enablex® (
darifenacin) is a prescription medication used for the treatment of
overactive bladder symptoms. Enablex is a long-acting medication that is taken just once a day. It belongs to a group of medications known as anticholinergics.
Enablex is made by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Enablex from being manufactured in the United States. Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic Enablex," you may find a number of companies selling it. The fact is that these medicines may be fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. You should not buy any generic Enablex until there is an approved version available.
When Will Generic Enablex Be Available?
The first patent for Enablex currently expires in March 2010. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of the drug could become available. However, other circumstances could come up to extend the exclusivity period beyond 2010. This could include such things as other patents for specific
Enablex uses or lawsuits. Once the patent expires, several companies will likely begin manufacturing a generic Enablex drug.
Is Darifenacin the Same as Generic Enablex?
No -- darifenacin is the active ingredient in Enablex but is not a generic version of it. What can be confusing is that, oftentimes, the active ingredient of any 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 must make the product.
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