Generic Telmisartan

The earliest date that a generic telmisartan could become available is 2014, when its first patent with Boehringer Ingelheim expires. Although an approved generic version of telmisartan is not available on the market yet, a number of drug companies claim to sell it. You should not buy any generic telmisartan until there is an approved version available.

 

Generic Telmisartan: An Overview

Telmisartan (Micardis®) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Telmisartan is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs for short). Telmisartan blocks angiotensin II receptors (hence its classification as an angiotensin II receptor blocker). This decreases the effectiveness of a chemical known as angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking the effects of angiotensin II, telmisartan causes blood vessels to relax, which can lower blood pressure.
 
Telmisartan is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim. It is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic telmisartan from being manufactured.
 
Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic telmisartan," you may find a number of companies selling it. The fact is, these medicines are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. You should not buy any generic telmisartan until there is an approved generic available.
 

Telmisartan Patent Expiration

The first patent for telmisartan currently expires in 2014.
 This is the earliest date that a generic version of telmisartan could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could arise to extend the exclusivity period of telmisartan beyond 2014. This could include such things as lawsuits or other patents for specific telmisartan uses. Once telmisartan goes off patent, there may be several companies manufacturing a generic telmisartan drug.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;