Generic Axert

There is currently no approved generic version of Axert because it is protected by a patent. There may be a generic Axert available from another country, but there is no way of knowing if you are getting genuine Axert or not. The first patent for Axert expires in 2012, at which time a generic Axert could be manufactured in the United States. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend that date past 2012, including other patents for specific uses of Axert or lawsuits.

Axert Medication

Generic Axert: An Overview

Axert^® (almotriptan maleate) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat migraine headaches. Axert is part of a class of migraine medications called 5-HT agonists (or more commonly known as "triptans").

Axert is manufactured by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceuticals. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Axert from being manufactured in the United States. There may be generic Axert available from another country, but there is really no way of knowing if you are getting genuine Axert or not. Therefore, you should not buy any generic Axert until there is an approved generic available.

When Will the Axert Patent Expire?

The first patent for Axert currently expires in 2012. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of Axert could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend the exclusivity period of Axert beyond 2012. These circumstances could include things such as other patents for specific Axert uses or lawsuits. Once Axert goes off patent, there may be several companies that manufacture a generic Axert drug.

Is Almotriptan a Generic Axert?

The answer is no. Almotriptan is the active ingredient in Axert, not a generic version of the drug. What can be confusing is that, oftentimes, the active ingredient of a drug is referred to as its "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 have made the product.