Generic Levaquin

The earliest possible date that any generic Levaquin (levofloxacin) products could become available is June 2011, when the patent for the medication expires. However, certain circumstances may arise that can extend or shorten the exclusivity period of brand-name Levaquin. Until an approved generic is available, you should not purchase any so-called "generic Levaquin" that may be found on the Internet (these products may be fake).

Levaquin Antibiotic Medication

An Overview of Generic Levaquin

Levaquin^® (levofloxacin) is a prescription antibiotic medication used to treat a variety of different infections. It belongs to a group of medications known as fluoroquinolones, or simply "quinolones" for short. It is a powerful "broad spectrum" antibiotic that is taken just once a day.

Levaquin is made by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc. It is protected by patents that prevent any generic Levaquin from being sold in the United States. Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic Levaquin," you may find a number of companies selling it. The fact is, these medicines may be fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. There may be generic Levaquin available from another country, but there is really no way of knowing if you are getting genuine Levaquin. You should not buy any generic version of Levaquin until there is an approved generic available.

When Will Generic Levaquin Be Available?

The first patent for Levaquin currently expires in June 2011. This is the earliest predictable date that a generic version of Levaquin could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend or shorten the exclusivity period of Levaquin. This could include such things as lawsuits or other patents for specific Levaquin uses. Once Levaquin goes off patent, there may be several companies that will manufacture a generic Levaquin drug.

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