Generic Femara

At present, no generic Femara is available in the United States because the drug is protected by a patent. The patent for Femara is set to expire in June 2011, so that is the earliest date that a generic version of the medication could become available. However, certain circumstances -- such as patents for other specific Femara uses or lawsuits -- could extend this date past 2011.

 

An Overview of Generic Femara

Femara® (letrozole) is a prescription medication used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It is part of a group of medications called aromatase inhibitors.
 
Femara is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Femara from being manufactured in the United States.
 

When Will Generic Femara Be Available?

The first patent for Femara currently expires in June 2011. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of Femara could become available. However, certain circumstances could extend this exclusivity period beyond this time. These circumstances could include things such as other patents for specific Femara uses or lawsuits. Once the patent expires, several companies will likely begin manufacturing generic Femara.
 

Is Letrozole a Generic Femara?

No -- letrozole is the active ingredient in Femara, 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 its "generic name." The generic name of a medicine is different from a generic version of it. 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) must have made the product.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;