Generic Taxotere

There is currently no generic Taxotere available because a patent prevents any generic form of the medication from being manufactured in the United States. The first patent for Taxotere expires in May 2010, which is the earliest date that a generic Taxotere could become available. However, certain circumstances could push that date past May 2010, such as other patents for specific uses of Taxotere or lawsuits.

 

Generic Taxotere: An Overview

Taxotere® (docetaxel) is a prescription medication used to treat various types of cancer, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer. It is part of a group of chemotherapy medications called taxanes.
 
Taxotere is made by sanofi-aventis. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Taxotere from being manufactured in the United States.
 

When Will Generic Taxotere Be Available?

The first patent for Taxotere currently expires in May 2010. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of Taxotere could become available. However, circumstances could extend this exclusivity period beyond 2010. This could include things such as other patents for specific Taxotere uses or lawsuits. Once the patent expires, several companies will likely begin manufacturing generic Taxotere.
 

Is Docetaxel a Generic Taxotere?

No -- docetaxel is the active ingredient in Taxotere, but it is not a generic version of it. 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 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) must make the product.
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;