Generic Sanctura

At this time, there are no generic Sanctura products available. The medication is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic versions from being manufactured. When this patent expires in May 2009, however, other companies are expected to begin producing a generic Sanctura medicine, although patents for specific uses or lawsuits may delay the availability.

 

Generic Sanctura: An Overview

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

When Will Generic Sanctura Be Available?

The first patent for Sanctura currently expires in May 2009. 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 2009. This could include such things as other patents for specific Sanctura uses or lawsuits. Once the patent expires, several companies will likely begin manufacturing a generic Sanctura drug.
 

Is Trospium the Same as Generic Sanctura?

No -- trospium is the active ingredient in Sanctura 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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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;