Generic Pioglitazone

The earliest date that generic pioglitazone may become available on the market is 2011, when the first patent with Takeda Pharmaceuticals expires. However, there are currently many drug companies that claim to sell a generic version of pioglitazone. These medicines are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous, so do not purchase any so-called generic pioglitazone products until an approved version is released.

 

Generic for Pioglitazone: An Overview

Pioglitazone hydrochloride (Actos®) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat type 2 diabetes. It is part of a group of diabetes medications called thiazolidinediones.
 
Pioglitazone is manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic pioglitazone from being manufactured in the United States. Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic pioglitazone," you may find a number of companies selling it. The fact is, these medicines are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. There may be generic pioglitazone available from another country, but there is really no way of knowing if you are getting genuine pioglitazone or not. You should not buy any generic pioglitazone until there is an approved generic available.
 

When Will Generic Pioglitazone Be Available?

The first patent for pioglitazone currently expires in 2011. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of pioglitazone could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend the exclusivity period of pioglitazone beyond 2011. This could include such things as other patents for specific pioglitazone uses or lawsuits. Once pioglitazone goes off patent, there may be several companies that manufacture a generic pioglitazone drug.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;