Generic Yasmin

At this time, generic Yasmin is not available in the United States. The medication is currently under the protection of patents that prevent any generic versions from being produced. The earliest possible date that generic versions could become available is October 2013, when the first patent expires. However, patents for specific uses or lawsuits could delay the availability of generic Yasmin.

 

Generic Yasmin: An Overview

Yasmin® (drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol) is a prescription contraceptive product. It is one of the many oral contraceptives (birth control pills) available.
 
Yasmin is made by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals. It is currently under the protection of patents that prevent any generic Yasmin from being manufactured in the United States. Despite what you may read on the Internet, no generic versions of the drug are available in the United States.
 

When Will Generic Yasmin Be Available?

The first patent for Yasmin currently expires in October 2013. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of the drug could become available. However, other circumstances could come up to extend the exclusivity period of Yasmin beyond 2013. This could include things such as other patents for specific Yasmin uses or lawsuits. Once the patent expires, several companies will likely begin manufacturing generic Yasmin products.
 

Will My Insurance Cover Yasmin?

Each insurance company is different. There has been a long history of insurance companies not covering contraceptive products, although this is beginning to change. Because Yasmin is not yet available in a generic form, you may have to pay a higher co-payment if your insurance company does cover Yasmin.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;