Generic Entocort

Currently, there are no generic Entocort EC (budesonide EC) products available on the market. As soon as the patent for the drug expires in May 2011, other companies are expected to begin manufacturing a generic version of the medication. However, things such as lawsuits or other patents for specific uses of Entocort EC may push this date past 2011.

 

Generic Entocort: An Overview

Entocort® EC (budesonide EC) is a prescription medication used to treat Crohn's disease. It belongs to a group of medications known as corticosteroids.
 
Entocort EC is made by Prometheus Laboratories, Inc. Entocort EC is currently under the protection of patents that prevent any generic Entocort EC from being manufactured in the United States.
 

When Will Generic Entocort Be Available?

The first patent for Entocort EC currently expires in May 2011. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of Entocort EC could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend the exclusivity period of Entocort EC beyond 2011. This could include things such as other patents for specific Entocort EC uses or lawsuits. Once Entocort EC goes off patent, there may be several companies that manufacture a generic Entocort EC drug.
 

Is Budesonide a Generic Entocort?

No -- budesonide is the active ingredient in Entocort EC (as well as several other medications), but it is not a generic version of Entocort EC. What can be confusing is that, oftentimes, the active ingredient of a 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 then another company (besides the original manufacturer) would make the product.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;