Generic Olmesartan Medoxomil-Hydrochlorothiazide

A patent currently prohibits any generic olmesartan medoxomil-hydrochlorothiazide from being manufactured and sold. The earliest date that a generic version of the medication could become available is in 2016, when the patent expires. However, patents for specific uses for the drug or lawsuits could extend this exclusivity period and keep a generic olmesartan medoxomil-hydrochlorothiazide from being produced for even longer than this.

Olmesartan Medoxomil-HCTZ

Generic Olmesartan Medoxomil-Hydrochlorothiazide: An Overview

Olmesartan medoxomil-hydrochlorothiazide (Benicar HCT^®) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). The drug is manufactured by Sankyo Pharma, Inc. and is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic olmesartan medoxomil-hydrochlorothiazide from being manufactured.

When Will Generic Olmesartan Medoxomil-Hydrochlorothiazide Be Available?

The first patent for olmesartan medoxomil-hydrochlorothiazide currently expires in 2016. This is the earliest date that a generic version of the drug could become available. However, other circumstances could come up that extend the exclusivity period beyond 2016. This could include such things as other patents for specific olmesartan medoxomil-hydrochlorothiazide uses or lawsuits. Once the medication goes off-patent, several companies may begin manufacturing a generic olmesartan medoxomil-hydrochlorothiazide.

Is Olmesartan Medoxomil-Hydrochlorothiazide a Generic Benicar HCT?

The answer is no.

Olmesartan medoxomil and hydrochlorothiazide are the active ingredients in Benicar HCT, but are not generic versions 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.