Generic Cardene SR

There are currently no approved generic Cardene SR products available on the market. When the first patent for the medication expires in March 2010, however, a number of drug companies may begin manufacturing a generic version of the medicine. Until then, you should not purchase any so-called "generic Cardene SR" because these drugs may be fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous.

 

An Overview of Generic Cardene SR

Cardene SR® (nicardipine SR) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension). It is part of a group of medications called calcium channel blockers.
 
Cardene SR is manufactured by Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Cardene SR from being manufactured in the United States. Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic Cardene SR," you may find a number of companies selling it. The fact is that these medicines may be fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. There may be generic Cardene SR available from another country, but there is really no way of knowing if you are getting genuine Cardene SR or not. Therefore, you should not buy any generic Cardene SR until there is an approved generic available.
 

When Will Generic Cardene SR Be Available?

The first patent for Cardene SR currently expires in March 2010. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of Cardene SR could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend the exclusivity period of Cardene SR beyond March 2010. This could include things such as other patents for specific Cardene SR uses or lawsuits. Once Cardene SR goes off patent, there may be several companies that manufacture a generic Cardene SR drug.
 

Is Nicardipine a Generic Cardene SR?

The answer is no. Nicardipine is the active ingredient in Cardene SR, but it is not a generic version of Cardene SR. 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) would make the product.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;