Generic Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide

Generic telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide is currently not available on the market. Unless lawsuits or other new patents arise, several drug companies could begin manufacturing a generic version as early as 2020, when its current patent with Boehringer Ingelheim expires. Do not purchase any generic telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide products until an approved version is available because these drugs could be fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous.

 

Generic Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide: An Overview

Telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide (Micardis HCT®) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). The drug is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim and is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide from being manufactured.
 

When Will a Generic Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Be Available?

The first patent for telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide currently expires in 2020. This is the earliest date that a generic version of telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide could become available. However, other circumstances could extend this exclusivity period beyond 2020. This could include such things as other patents for specific telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide uses or lawsuits. Once it goes off-patent, several companies will likely begin manufacturing a generic telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide.
 

Is Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide the Same as Generic Micardis HCT?

The answer is no.
 Telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide are the active ingredients in Micardis HCT, but are not generic versions of the medicine. 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, however. In order for there to be a generic version of a drug, the original must have gone off-patent and another company besides the original manufacturer must make the product.
 
Keep in mind that if you search the Internet for "generic telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide," you may find a number of companies selling it. The fact is that these medicines are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. You should not buy any generic telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide until there is an approved generic version available.
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;