Generic Frova

At this time, generic Frova is not available in the United States. The first patent for Frova expires in 2013, at which time a generic Frova could be manufactured and sold in the United States. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend that date past 2013, including other patents for specific uses of Frova or lawsuits.

 

Generic Frova: An Overview

Frova® (frovatriptan succinate) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat migraine headaches. Frova is part of a class of migraine medications called 5-HT agonists (or more commonly known as "triptans").
 
Frova is manufactured by Endo Pharmaceuticals. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Frova from being manufactured in the United States. However, there may be a generic version of Frova available from another country, but there is really no way of knowing if you are getting genuine Frova or not. Therefore, you should not buy any generic Frova until there is an approved generic available.
 

When Will the Frova Patent Expire?

The first patent for Frova currently expires in 2013. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of Frova could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend the exclusivity period of Frova beyond 2013. This could include things such as other patents for specific Frova uses or lawsuits. Once Frova goes off patent, there may be several companies that manufacture a generic Frova drug.
 

Is Frovatriptan a Generic Frova?

No, it isn't. Frovatriptan is the active ingredient in Frova, but it is not a generic version of Frova. 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 then another company (besides the original manufacturer) would 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;