Generic Natroba

Generic Natroba (spinosad) is currently not available in the United States, even though the first patent has expired. It's important not to confuse the active ingredient in a drug with its generic version. For example, spinosad is not a form of generic Natroba; it's the active ingredient.

Can I Buy Generic Natroba?

Natroba^® (spinosad) is a prescription head lice medication. It can be used in children as young as four years of age. It comes as a liquid suspension that is applied for 10 minutes for one or two treatments.

Natroba is manufactured by ParaPRO LLC. In the United States, Natroba is protected by patents and is not available in generic form at this time.

When Will Generic Natroba Be Available?

Although the first patent for Natroba expired in March 2013, no generic versions are available. This suggests that another, later-expiring patent may still be providing protection for the drug. The next patent is set to expire in April 2017. This is the earliest predictable date that a generic version could become available.

However, other circumstances could come up to extend or shorten the exclusivity period. This could include such things as lawsuits or other patents for specific Natroba uses. Once the patent expires, there may be several companies that manufacture a generic Natroba drug.

Is Spinosad a Generic Natroba?

No -- spinosad is the active ingredient in Natroba (as well as in several lawn and garden insecticides) but is not a generic version of it. What can be confusing is that the active ingredient of any drug is often referred to as the "generic name."

The generic name is different from a generic version of a medicine. In order for there to be a generic version of a medicine, the original medicine must have gone off-patent and another company besides the original manufacturer must make the product.