how many years for a generic form of a prescription drug to be released?

Answer 1

It varies. The right to a patent for a new drug is usually good for 20 years. But the 20 years starts from the date that the drug has been developed not the date that it has actually become available to the public. So if a drug is developed today, its patent is good till 2027, but for most drugs it takes between 10 to 15 years before they become available for public use (because of all the testings and trials). So by the time the drug is become available, it may only have 5 to 10 years of its patent left.

Answer 2

Pharmaceutical companies have 20 years from the date the patent is submitted. Many companies only end up having about 10 years to benefit from selling their drug. This allows the initial maker to cover their costs.

They also will commonly start selling a generic form before their patent runs out to get a jumpstart on the generic market on the drug. This helps them get established in clinics and hospitals before the patent runs out.

So 20 years total on the patent.

Answer 3

Bottom line, you can't generalize all doctors or drug companies. Yes, some doctors will prescribe medications that they are heavily marketed to, but I don't think that is the norm. My fiancee is a doctor (OB/GYN) and she prescribes medications, birth control, etc. based on the specific needs of her patients. I know a fair number of doctors, and they all follow prudent guidelines when prescribing. Of course, not all doctors act that way and are essentially the drug companies lackeys. I feel this is true of any industry, however. Let's not forget that in America, health-care is a commodity. Could the FDA be doing a better job? Absolutely! Is it their "fault", not necessarily. While I am very saddened by our health-care system, the US still offers the greatest choice of doctors and medications in the world. Like any other business, I feel that the consumer, e.g. patient, needs to inform themselves and research any Rx's that a doctor wants to give them. Too many people tacitly accept what their doctor's say as fact instead of finding out themselves. So, there is blame to go around the table. Doctors can be the culprit sometimes, drug companies can be, but people are also complacent. This is yet another reason why we need sweeping reforms in the whole health-care system in the US.

Answer 4

Drug discoverers are usually/normally given 20 years' exclusivity (patent). After that, generic-drug manufacturing companies may copy or come up with their own version of the drug. They are released after being approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Answer 5

no! if the original manufacturer is still making mad money off it, they simply pay off the generic makers so they will still own the market and overcharge as they see fit.


but thanks for taking a completely random uneducated guess there buddy

Answer 6

15 I think