Generic Lialda

There are currently no generic Lialda products available on the market. As soon as the patent for the drug expires in June 2020, however, other companies are expected to begin manufacturing a generic version of the medication. There are a number of companies that claim to sell "generic Lialda," but these drugs are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous.

Lialda Medication Information

Generic Lialda: An Overview

Lialda^® (mesalamine) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat ulcerative colitis. It is part of a group of medications known as aminosalicylates.

Lialda is manufactured by Shire USA, Inc. and is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic Lialda from being manufactured. Yet, search the Internet for "generic Lialda," and you will 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 Lialda until there is an approved generic version available.

When Will There Be a Generic Lialda?

The patent for Lialda currently expires in June 2020. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of Lialda could become available. However, other circumstances could come up to extend the exclusivity period beyond this time. This could include such things as other patents for specific Lialda uses or lawsuits. Once the patent expires, several companies will likely manufacture a generic Lialda drug.

Is Mesalamine a Generic Lialda?

No -- mesalamine is the active ingredient in Lialda (and several other medicines), but is not a generic version of it. What can be confusing is that, oftentimes, the active ingredient of any drug is referred to as the "generic name." However, the generic name is different from a generic version of a medicine. 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 must make the product.