Generic Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo

There are currently no generic Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo products available on the market. The first patent for the oral contraceptive expires in December 2019, which means that other drug companies can begin manufacturing a generic version at that time. However, generic Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo could become available earlier or later than 2019, depending on whether new patents or lawsuits come up.

 

Generic Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo: An Overview

Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo® (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol) is a prescription contraceptive product. It is one of the many oral contraceptives (birth control pills) available. Compared to older birth control pills, Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo contains a relatively low dose of hormones.
 
Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo is made by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc. It is currently under the protection of patents that prevent any generic Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo from being manufactured in the United States.
 

When Will Generic Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo Be Available?

The first patent for Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo currently expires in December 2019. 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 beyond 2019. This could include such things as other patents for specific Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo uses or lawsuits. In fact, there is already at least one lawsuit in progress concerning these patents and whether generic Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo can be made sooner than 2019. Once the first patent expires, several companies will likely begin manufacturing generic Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo products.
 

Will My Insurance Cover Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo?

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 Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo is not available in a generic form, you may have to pay a higher copayment if your insurance company covers it.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;