First Generic Versions of Coreg Approved

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 5 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first generic versions of Coreg (carvedilol), used to treat high blood pressure, chronic heart failure and a post heart attack problem called left ventricular dysfunction.

Approval was given to the following companies to produce generic versions of Coreg, which the FDA says are chemical equivalents to the brand-name medication: Actavis Elizabeth LLC; Apotex Inc.; Aurobindo Pharma Ltd.; Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories Ltd.; Dr. Reddys Laboratories; Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd.; Lupin Ltd.; Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.; Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd.; Sandoz Inc.; Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.; TEVA Pharmaceuticals USA; Watson Laboratories Inc.; and Zydus Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.

Generic versions of Coreg will be produced in four strengths: 3.125 milligrams, 6.25 milligrams, 12.5 milligrams, and 25 milligrams, an FDA statement said.

The agency said due to patent concerns, labeling on the generic products may differ slightly from those of brand-name Coreg, which is the 30th top-selling brand name drug in the United States.

More information

To learn more about this drug, visit the U.S. National Library of Medicine.