How long do drug companies have a patent before other companies can begin making a generic?

My cat take asthma medicine and I can't afford to buy it from the US and have to buy from canada. Even then its $60 a month. I would love to know when a generic will be available. He takes Flovent.How long do drug companies have a patent before other companies can begin making a generic?
After seven (7) years, other pharmaceutical companies can offer a generic for patented medicine. Ask your druggist (even if that's not where you get the Flovent) when Flovent was originally put on the market. If it's been seven years, ask him if he knows if any companies are planning to come out with a generic.How long do drug companies have a patent before other companies can begin making a generic?
2012 is the current year if the manufacturer doesn't challenge the patent of change the patent by ways such as changing the dosage or combining with another drug. Report Abuse

I believe you can get a generic: Fluticasone Propionate is the name. Try this website.