Irbesartan is available as a generic drug. [1] It was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a generic medication in 2011. [2]
When did the patent for irbesartan expire?
The original patent for irbesartan, marketed as Avapro, has expired, allowing for the production and sale of generic versions. [3]
Who makes generic irbesartan?
Multiple pharmaceutical companies manufacture and distribute generic irbesartan. These include companies like Teva Pharmaceuticals, Mylan (now Viatris), and Apotex, among others. [4]
How does generic irbesartan compare to the brand-name drug?
Generic irbesartan is bioequivalent to its brand-name counterpart, Avapro. This means it contains the same active ingredient, dosage form, strength, and route of administration, and performs in the same way in the body. [1][3] The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires generic drugs to meet the same standards of quality, safety, and efficacy as brand-name drugs. [5]
What is irbesartan used to treat?
Irbesartan is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). [1] It is also prescribed to protect the kidneys in patients with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. [6]
Are there alternatives to irbesartan?
Yes, there are other medications available to treat high blood pressure, including other angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) and different classes of antihypertensive drugs. Common alternatives include losartan, valsartan, olmesartan, and ramipril, among others. [7]
How much does generic irbesartan cost?
The cost of generic irbesartan is typically significantly lower than that of the brand-name drug, Avapro. Prices can vary depending on the manufacturer, dosage, and the pharmacy. [4]
---
Sources:
[1] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations (Orange Book). Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-approvals-and-databases/approved-drug-products-therapeutic-equivalence-evaluations-orange-book
[2] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Irbesartan Patent Expirations and Generic Availability. Retrieved from https://drugpatentwatch.com/
[3] Sanofi. (n.d.). Avapro® (irbesartan) Tablets. Retrieved from https://www.sanofi.us/ (Note: While Sanofi is the brand manufacturer, patent expiration information is generally public and tracked by various databases.)
[4] GoodRx. (n.d.). Irbesartan Prices, Coupons & Savings Tips. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/
[5] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2017, July 24). Generic Drugs: Q & A. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/generic-drugs/generic-drugs-qa
[6] National Kidney Foundation. (n.d.). Irbesartan (Avapro). Retrieved from https://www.kidney.org/
[7] National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). Irbesartan. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a694031.html