Generic Sanctura XR

There is currently no generic Sanctura XR (trospium XR) available. The medication is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic versions from being manufactured in the United States until August 2010 (at the earliest), when the patent expires. However, lawsuits or other patents for specific uses may delay this date.

 

Generic Sanctura XR: An Overview

Sanctura® XR (trospium XR) is a prescription medication used to treat an overactive bladder. Sanctura XR is a long-acting, once-a-day medication (a short-acting form, Sanctura, is also available).
 
Sanctura XR is jointly manufactured by Indevus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Esprit Pharmaceuticals, Inc. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Sanctura XR from being manufactured in the United States.
 

When Will Generic Sanctura XR Be Available?

The manufacturers of Sanctura XR have the exclusive rights to market this medication until at least August 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 things such as other patents for specific Sanctura XR uses or lawsuits. Once the patent expires, several companies will likely begin manufacturing a generic Sanctura XR drug.
 

Is Trospium the Same as Generic Sanctura XR?

No -- trospium is the active ingredient in Sanctura XR (as well as in short-acting Sanctura), but it is not a generic version of Sanctura XR. 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 than 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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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;