Generic Solaraze Gel

Patents prevent the manufacturing of a generic Solaraze Gel until at least 2014, when the first patent expires. However, other circumstances could arise to extend or shorten the exclusivity period of Solaraze Gel, such as lawsuits or other patents for Solaraze Gel uses. Diclofenac is the "generic name" of Solaraze Gel; it is not, however, a generic version of the drug.

Solaraze Gel Drug Information

Is a Generic Version of Solaraze Gel Available?

Solaraze^® Gel (diclofenac gel) is a prescription medication approved to treat actinic keratosis, a type of precancerous skin lesion. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is applied directly to the affected skin twice daily.

Solaraze Gel is made by PharmaDerm, a division of Nycomed US, Inc. There are no generic versions of Solaraze Gel available at this time.

When Will a Generic Version Be Available?

Solaraze Gel is expected to be protected from any generic competition until at least June 2014, when the first patent for Solaraze Gel expires. This is the earliest predictable date that a generic version of Solaraze Gel could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend or shorten the exclusivity period of the product. This could include such things as lawsuits or new Solaraze Gel patents.

Is Diclofenac a Generic Solaraze Gel?

No -- diclofenac is the active ingredient in Solaraze Gel (as well as several other medications), but it is not a generic version of Solaraze Gel. What can be confusing is that, oftentimes, the active ingredient of a drug is referred to as the "generic name." The generic name is different from a generic version of a medicine. 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 would make the product.