Generic Amlodipine Now Available

Amlodipine (Norvasc) is now available in two competing generic versions, Mylan Laboratories and Pfizer announced Friday.

The generic drugs will start shipping this week. The move comes after a federal appeals court ruling Thursday that rendered Pfizer's patent invalid. That allowed Mylan to begin selling its already FDA-approved generic. Pfizer then decided to introduce its own generic version immediately, while it continues legal action to try to protect its patent through September of this year.

The generic version was selling for 64 cents per 10 mg tablet this weekend on PlanetDrugsDirect.com compared with 88 cents per 10 mg tablet of brand-name Norvasc.