Generic Valtrex

A patent currently prevents any generic form of Valtrex from being manufactured. The earliest date that a generic Valtrex could become available is 2009, when the patent expires. However, patents for specific uses of Valtrex or lawsuits could extend this exclusivity period. Some companies claim to sell a generic Valtrex, but these drugs are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous, and should be avoided until an approved version is available.

 

An Introduction to Generic Valtrex

Valtrex® (valacyclovir hydrochloride) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat shingles, cold sores, and genital herpes. Valtrex can also be used on a daily basis to prevent recurring outbreaks of genital herpes and to decrease the chance of spreading genital herpes to sexual partners.
 
Valtrex is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. It is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic Valtrex from being manufactured. Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic Valtrex," 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 Valtrex until there is an approved generic version available.
 

When Will There Be a Generic Valtrex?

The first patent for Valtrex currently expires in 2009. This is the earliest date that a generic version of Valtrex could become available. However, other circumstances could extend the exclusivity period beyond 2009. This could include such things as other patents for specific Valtrex uses or lawsuits. Once Valtrex goes off-patent, several companies will likely begin manufacturing a generic Valtrex drug.
 

Is Valacyclovir a Generic Valtrex?

The answer is no. Valacyclovir is the active ingredient in Valtrex, but it is not a generic version of Valtrex. What can be confusing is that, oftentimes, 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.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;