Effexor - Teva Launches Generic XR
A great deal already has been made about the expiration of Effexor XR's patents and its opening up to the market. Wyeth's signature antidepressant now is in the hands of Teva, which has a 180-day exclusive marketing period to promote the drug and establish its production.
As ever, this matter comes with certain consequences — ones that might not be immediately apparent. Effexor remains under review over its potential link to increased suicidal thoughts and the birth defects caused in infants whose mothers took the medicine while pregnant, on a doctor's advice.
William S. Marth, president and CEO of Teva North America, was quoted as saying, "Through the current patent settlement process, we are able to launch this product 7 years early, thus bringing significant savings to patients … and relieving some of the burden on the U.S. healthcare system."
Admittedly, these are noble sentiments. People want quality medications sooner rather than later. Depression is a serious affliction and having options to deal with it is one of the many splendid benefits of a modern society.
And yet, there are advantages to a slow and steady approach to things, as well. The comment about being seven years early should send off a few warning bells, particularly since it's the result of a “settlement.” Why the rush? Why so early compared to other medicines that still are being delayed and evaluated? The makers of Paxil just settled a major series of lawsuits relating their medicine to birth defects, so why would a similar drug be put into the generic market seven years ahead of schedule?
There may be good answers to these questions. However, when discussing the potential dangers of a medication, these answers should relate to studies demonstrating a medicine is safe or unsafe. They shouldn't immediately jump to questions of price or relieving the healthcare system as a whole.
