Teva Launches First Generic Version of Perforomist in US

Teva Pharmaceuticals has launched the first generic version of Perforomist (formoterol fumarate inhalation solution) for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the U.S.

“Teva is pleased to provide patients with first-to-market access to a generic version of Perforomist,” Christine Baeder, senior vice president and chief operating officer of US Generics, for Teva USA, said in a press release.

Perforomist is a long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist (LABA) used with a nebulizer to control the symptoms of COPD in adults, including those with chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema, the two main types of the disease. The medication eases symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing, and coughing, by relaxing the air passages leading into the lungs and allowing patients to draw in more air.

It is taken twice daily as a long-term maintenance medication, meaning that — although it has a rapid onset action — it is not intended to treat sudden symptoms.

Several studies have indicated that Perforomist’s key ingredient, formoterol fumarate, outperforms similar medications such as ipratropium and theophylline at controlling COPD symptoms.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the World Health Organization list long-acting bronchodilators like Perforomist as medications of primary importance in treating COPD.

Generic medications contain the same active ingredients as brand-name products and are produced once that medicine’s patent protection expires. Perforomist’s patent protection ended on June 22.

Generics form a significant part of Teva Pharmaceuticals’ product portfolio. They are functionally equivalent to the brand-name product in terms of dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, and performance.

Perforomist — and formoterol fumarate in general — is not recommended for asthma. Although asthma and COPD share a number of symptoms, they do not respond the same to all medications. People with asthma have a higher risk of developing serious and potentially life-threatening complications when taking LABA medications like Perforomist.

The medication is not indicated for children either, as its safety and effectiveness are still unknown in this age group.

Common side effects of formoterol fumarate include headache, dry mouth, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and nervousness.