Is Azelastine a Generic Optivar?
azelastine hydrochloride is the active ingredient in Optivar (as well as Astelin® and Astepro™ nasal sprays), but it is not a generic version of Optivar. What can be confusing is that, oftentimes, the active ingredient of a drug is 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.
