Generic Coreg CR

Is a Generic Version of Coreg CR Available?

Coreg CR^® (carvedilol CR) is a prescription medication approved for treating high blood pressure and heart failure. It is also approved to increase survival in people who have had a heart attack. It belongs to a group of medications known as beta blockers. Coreg CR is a long-acting medication that is taken just once a day.

 

Coreg CR is made by GlaxoSmithKline. Currently, it is protected by patents that prevent any generic versions from being sold in the United States.

 

When Will Generic Coreg CR Be Available?

The first patent for Coreg CR currently expires in December 2015. This is the earliest predictable date that a generic version of Coreg CR could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend or shorten the exclusivity period of the medication. This could include such things as lawsuits or other patents for specific Coreg CR uses. Once Coreg CR goes off patent, there may be several companies that will begin manufacturing a generic Coreg CR drug.

 

Is Carvedilol a Generic Coreg CR?

The answer is no. Carvedilol is the active ingredient in Coreg CR (as well as short-acting Coreg and generic versions of short-acting Coreg) but is not a generic version of Coreg CR. What can be confusing is that, oftentimes, the active ingredient of any 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.