Generic meds
 

Hello,
Can anyone tell me if there is a standard period of time before a drug loses its patent. For instance Lyrica has no generic counterpart and its been on the market for four years. Thanks
Lanny

Sorry, they all differ. Some patents are long...because they are granted just before the drug comes out.

But others are shorter because the patent was granted while still in studies, and if the FDA wants MORE, the patent cooks while it is still unavailable to the public. When this happens the Drug company holding the patent may petition the courts to extend it.

So you may see some news reports that have this legal situation
published.

Estimated patent expiration for Lyrica is Oct 2013...unless they petition for an extension, which I would assume they would.

If I remember family doc said 10 years, could be 12...
For LExapro it is 2011 or 2012?
Can find almost anything on Google though.

The Canadian pharmacys can sell generics though. Make sure it is CA thought not from China etc.