Why are some glaucoma medications not available in a generic version?
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All medications available on the market have a generic name.
When a pharmaceutical company first develops a new drug, it gives the drug a generic name (or "chemical name"). The company then gives the drug a brand-name as part of its marketing plan.
The generic version becomes available when the brand-name drug's patent protection expires.
Read more about brand names and generic medications.
Last reviewed on August 27, 2012
