Generic Aerobid

While a number of asthma medications are available as generics, Aerobid is not. The patent for Aerobid has now expired; however, it is impossible to tell when there will be a generic Aerobid medicine. It is important to remember that flunisolide is the active ingredient in Aerobid, not a generic version of the medication.

 

An Overview of Generic Aerobid

Aerobid® (flunisolide inhaler) is a prescription medication used to prevent asthma attacks. It is part of a class of asthma drugs known as inhaled corticosteroids.
 
Aerobid is manufactured by Forest Pharmaceuticals. The patent for Aerobid expired in June 2007. However, there are not any generic Aerobid versions available at this time.
 

When Will Generic Aerobid Be Available?

The patent for Aerobid expired in June 2007. Currently, there are no approved generic versions of Aerobid. This may be because generic manufacturers have not yet chosen to make a generic version of Aerobid, or it could be because the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any generic versions (or may in the process of reviewing such products). At this time, it is impossible to know when a generic Aerobid drug may become available.
 

Is Flunisolide a Generic Aerobid?

The answer is no. Flunisolide is the active ingredient in Aerobid (as well as other medications) but is not a generic version of the medication. What can be confusing is that, oftentimes, the active ingredient of any drug is referred to as its "generic name." The generic name of a drug is different from a generic version of it. 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 have made the product.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;