Generic Candesartan

Generic candesartan is not currently available for sale on the market. There are some places that claim to sell a "generic candesartan," but people should be warned that these medications are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. While some people refer to candesartan as the "generic name" for Atacand, candesartan is simply the active ingredient in Atacand and is not a generic version of the brand-name medication.
 

Generic for Candesartan: An Overview

Candesartan (Atacand®) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and congestive heart failure. Candesartan is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers, or ARBs for short. As the names implies, candesartan blocks angiotensin II receptors. This decreases the effectiveness of a chemical known as angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking the effects of angiotensin II, candesartan causes blood vessels to relax, which can lower blood pressure. It also allows the heart to work more efficiently.
 
Candesartan is manufactured by AstraZeneca. It is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic candesartan from being manufactured.
 
Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic candesartan," 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 candesartan until there is an approved generic version available.
 

When Will There Be a Generic Candesartan?

The first patent for candesartan currently expires in 2011. This is the earliest date that a generic version of candesartan could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend the exclusivity period of candesartan beyond 2011. This could include such things as other patents for specific candesartan uses or lawsuits. Once candesartan goes off patent, there may be several companies that manufacture a generic candesartan drug.
 
(Generic Candesartan Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;