Generic Tamsulosin

The first patent for tamsulosin expired in 2006, but there is still no approved generic tamsulosin available for sale. There are several possible reasons why generic versions are not yet available, including lawsuits or other patents for tamsulosin. The next patent for tamsulosin expires in 2009. This may be the earliest date that a generic version of tamsulosin may become available.

 

Generic for Tamsulosin: An Overview

Tamsulosin hydochloride (Flomax®) is a prescription medication that has been licensed as a treatment for an enlarged prostate. An enlarged prostate is also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, benign prostatic hypertrophy, or BPH. Tamsulosin is part of a class of drugs known as alpha blockers.
 
Tamsulosin is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. While the first patent for tamsulosin has already expired, generic versions of tamsulosin are not yet available.
 

When Will There Be a Generic Tamsulosin?

The first patent for tamsulosin expired in 2006. This was the earliest date that a generic version of tamsulosin could have become available. However, the FDA has not yet approved any generic versions of tamsulosin. There are many possible reasons why generic versions are not yet available, including lawsuits or other tamsulosin patents. Therefore, it is not known when a generic tamsulosin will become available. The next patent for tamsulosin expires in 2009. It is possible that a generic tamsulosin may not become available until this time.
 

Is Tamsulosin a Generic Flomax?

No, it isn't. Tamsulosin is the active ingredient in Flomax, but it is not a generic version of Flomax. 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.
 
If you search the Internet for "generic tamsulosin," you may find a number of companies claiming to sell it. The fact is that these medicines are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. There may be a generic tamsulosin available from another country, but there is really no way of knowing if you are getting genuine tamsulosin or not. You should not buy any generic tamsulosin until there is an approved generic available.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;