Generic Amitiza: An Overview
- Long-term constipation with no known cause (chronic idiopathic constipation) in women and men
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with constipation in women.
Brand-name Amitiza is made by Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Amitiza from being sold in the United States.
When Will Generic Amitiza Be Available?
The first patent for Amitiza currently expires in May 2011. 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 lawsuits or other patents for specific
Amitiza uses. Once the patent expires, several companies will likely begin manufacturing a generic Amitiza drug.
Is Lubiprostone the Same as Generic Amitiza?
No -- lubiprostone is the active ingredient in Amitiza, but is not a generic version of it. This can be confusing, as the active ingredient of a 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.
