Rx or OTC for generic desloratadine

Generic pharmaceutical firm Mylan may market desloratadine tablets (5 mg) in the U.S. beginning in July 2012 in direct competition with Schering-Plough's Clarinex allergy medication, according to a patent litigation settlement announced April 8. Pending FDA's approval of Pittsburgh-based Mylan's abbreviated new drug application, the firm can market the tablets as Rx or OTC depending on the status at the time for Clarinex, which is considered a likely switch candidate (1"The Tan Sheet" Feb. 4, 2008, p. 5). Sales of desloratadine tablets (5 mg) reached $284 million in the U.S. during 2008, according to IMS Health