Confusion About Generic Propecia

Hi Dr.

This is a follow up question to the statement you just posted about generic 1mg finasteride. You mentioned a little while ago that Dr. Reddy’s lab received the right to make generic 1mg finasteride and that you called to find out when it would be available and said it may take a “couple of months” to get it out. Now you just said that the patent hasnt expired with Merck and it would take years. Im a bit confused now?

Sorry for the confusion. It was confusing for me as well. After doing more research and personally calling a Merck (makers of Propecia) representative, the story is that Propecia (finasteride 1mg) is still under patent protection. The confusion came from the FDA, which gave permission to allow generic Propecia on the market, but with patent monopoly controlled by Merck, the legality to sell it is in the hands of Merck. At least, this is how it was explained to me by Merck. If things change and generic Propecia becomes available (legally) in the US, I’ll certainly post about it here.