Generic Ortho Evra

At this time, Ortho Evra is not available as a generic. Ortho Evra is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic forms of the medication from being manufactured in the United States. When this patent expires in June 2015, however, other drug companies can begin manufacturing generic Ortho Evra products.

 

Is a Generic Ortho Evra Available?

Ortho Evra® (norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol) is a prescription contraceptive product. It is very similar to combined oral contraceptives (birth control pills), but it is a skin patch that is replaced weekly. Ortho Evra may be useful for women who have trouble remembering to take a birth control pill every day.
 
Ortho Evra is made by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc., one of the largest manufacturers of contraceptive products. Ortho Evra is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Ortho Evra from being manufactured in the United States.
 

When Will Generic Ortho Evra Be Available?

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

Will My Insurance Cover Ortho Evra?

Each insurance company is different. There has been a long history of insurance companies not covering contraceptive products, although this is beginning to change. More and more insurances are beginning to cover contraceptives. Because Ortho Evra is not available in a generic form, you may have to pay a higher co-payment.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;