Generic Fosamax Plus D: An Overview
Fosamax Plus D is made by Merck & Co., Inc. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any
generic Fosamax Plus D from being manufactured in the United States.
When Will Generic Fosamax Plus D Be Available?
The first patents for Fosamax Plus D are currently set to expire in June 2013. This is the earliest predictable date that a generic version of the drug could become available.
However, other circumstances could come up to extend or shorten the exclusivity period. This could include such things as other patents for specific
Fosamax Plus D uses or lawsuits. There have already been several lawsuits examining the issue of Fosamax patents, and more lawsuits are likely to occur. Once the patents expire and any lawsuits are resolved, several companies will likely begin manufacturing generic Fosamax Plus D.
Is Alendronate and Cholecalciferol the Same as Generic Fosamax Plus D?
No --
alendronate and cholecalciferol are the active ingredients in Fosamax Plus D, but they are 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." 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 another company besides the original manufacturer must make the product.
