Generic Dutasteride

The earliest date that a generic version of dutasteride could become available in the United States is 2013, when the patent for dutasteride expires. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend that date past 2013, such as other patents for specific uses of dutasteride or lawsuits. Until then, you should not buy any drug sold as "generic dutasteride," as these drugs are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous.

 

Generic for Dutasteride: An Overview

Dutasteride (Avodart®) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat an enlarged prostate. Enlarged prostate is also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH.
 
Dutasteride is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic dutasteride from being manufactured in the United States. Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic dutasteride," you may find a number of companies selling it. The fact is that these medicines are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. There may be a generic dutasteride available from another country, but there is really no way of knowing if you are getting genuine dutasteride or not. You should not buy any generic dutasteride until there is an approved generic available.
 

When Will Generic Dutasteride Be Available?

The first patent for dutasteride currently expires in 2013. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of dutasteride could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend the exclusivity period of dutasteride beyond 2013. These circumstances could include such things as other patents for specific dutasteride uses or lawsuits. Once dutasteride goes off patent, there may be several companies that manufacture a generic dutasteride drug.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;