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Generic Zelnorm

There is currently no generic Zelnorm available on the market. The earliest that a generic for Zelnorm could become available is 2013, when the patent for Zelnorm expires. Until then, you should not purchase any so-called generic versions of Zelnorm. These products are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous.

 

Generic for Zelnorm: An Overview

Zelnorm® (tegaserod maleate) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with constipation in women and chronic idiopathic constipation (chronic constipation with no known cause) in people less than 65 years old.
 
Zelnorm is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. It is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic Zelnorm from being manufactured. Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic Zelnorm," you may find a number of companies selling it. The fact is that these medicines are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. You should not buy any generic Zelnorm until there is an approved generic available.
 
In March 2007, Zelnorm was taken off the market in the United States because it was shown to increase the risk for a heart attack, angina, or stroke. In July 2007, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Zelnorm will be available to people who meet certain criteria through a special program called a "treatment IND" (see Zelnorm Recall for more information). However, as of April 2, 2008, Zelnorm is no longer available under the treatment IND program, although it may still be available in certain emergency situations.
 

When Will There Be a Generic Zelnorm?

The first patent for Zelnorm currently expires in 2013. This is the earliest date that a generic version of Zelnorm could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could arise to extend the exclusivity period of Zelnorm beyond 2013. These circumstances could include such things as other patents for specific Zelnorm uses or lawsuits. Once Zelnorm goes off patent, there may be several companies that manufacture a generic Zelnorm drug.
 
(Generic Zelnorm Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;