Generic Tasmar

There are currently no generic versions of Tasmar (tolcapone). The medication is protected by patents that prevent any generic Tasmar from being manufactured. The earliest possible date that a generic version could become available is January 2012, when the first patent expires. It is important to note that tolcapone is the "generic name" for Tasmar; it is not a generic version of it.

 

Generic Tasmar: An Overview

Tasmar® (tolcapone) is a prescription medication that has been licensed as a Parkinson's disease treatment. It is always used with carbidopa-levodopa medications, such as Sinemet®, Sinemet CR, or Parcopa®. Due to the risks of serious liver problems, Tasmar is usually reserved for people for whom other treatment alternatives are unacceptable or have failed.
 
Tasmar is made by Orion Corporation, Inc. and marketed by Valeant Pharmaceuticals International. At this time, no generic Tasmar is available in the United States.
 

When Will Generic Tasmar Be Available?

The first patent for Tasmar is set to expire in January 2012. This is the earliest predictable date that a generic version of Tasmar could become available. However, other circumstances could arise to extend or shorten the exclusivity period. This could include such things as lawsuits or other patents for specific Tasmar uses. Once the patent expires, several companies likely will begin manufacturing a generic Tasmar drug.
 

Is Tolcapone the Same as Generic Tasmar?

No -- tolcapone is the active ingredient in Tasmar, but it is not a generic version of it. 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;