Comments on: generic metrogel soon – Fougera

By: robert williams

robert williams — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 03:15:57 +0000

I am a llongtime user of metrogel. but at 73 years of age, can no longer afford it.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Wed, 13 May 2009 04:47:00 +0000

A bit off topic, but is there any reason to think the gel base might be better for oily skin than the cream? Both are available as a generic. I’m new to rosacea. I got the cream because that is what the Dr. called in. I asked the pharmacist if the cream was suitable for oily skin types and she said it was for all skin types–but it actually seemed to make me oily although the pharmacist warned it might dry my skin. Though the oiliness is a little better since I’ve made more of an effort to rub it very thin. Can anyone weigh in who has tried both or has a preference for one or the other?

By: Anne

Anne — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 01:05:52 +0000

I know the cream I use is 0.75. I agree, David, $58-78 is not a generic price. You might find a dermatologist who will give you samples, which is what my sister used for a long time. The 45 oz tube of cream will last me ages. It only takes a dab.

By: Digital Davo

Digital Davo — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:28:18 +0000

Just a small but important point.

A generic won’t be called Metrogel and it won’t be 1%. Galderma own the name metrogel and still have the patent on the 1% formulation. Only the old 0.75% form of metronidazole is out of patent and thus potentially available generically.

You want a 0.75% metronidazole gel or cream. You most likely won’t be able to notice any difference between a gel and a cream – certainly not in how well it works for the papules and pustules of rosacea.

I have to say that $58-$78 doesn’t sound like a generic price to me but that is just a gut feeling.

davidp.

By: Anne

Anne — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 21:37:55 +0000

Missy and others, I think some of you are still speaking of metronidazole topical cream. Metrogel is STILL not available in generic, after three and a half years. My sister is still paying that arm and leg for Metrogel but has said she will ask her derm about the cream when her present tube runs out.

I stand by my previous statement, they are raking in the dough. Dave, Australia is a whole different country.
I don’t know what your equivalent is to FDA, but it must function better.

By: Missy

Missy — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 21:01:10 +0000

Actually, I’ve been using the generic (purchased at Sam’s) since at least 2006 maybe earlier, I don’t remember. Anne, I don’t understand why you weren’t able to get it in the U.S., unless, your doctor choose not to prescribe the generic. Walgreens pharmacy also carries the generic, Rite Aid doesn’t always have it on hand and sometimes has to order it.

By: Missy

Missy — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 20:48:24 +0000

You can buy the generic metronidazole cream (by prescription only, of course) at Sam’s Club pharmacy. I currently pay between $58.00 and $78.00 (no insurance) for a tube. Not cheap, but a lot cheaper than the brand name.

By: Anne

Anne — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 12:38:06 +0000

Not in USA it isn’t. Not yet. Canada, New Zealand, Australia, all much, much cheaper than US. Maybe not Fougera but the same generic. I’m to go to the dermatologist today and don’t know what she’ll let me do.

By: Digital Davo

Digital Davo — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:12:01 +0000

This page here for the cream Metronidazole (metronidazole) Cream [E. FOUGERA and CO.] and for the gel Metronidazole (metronidazole) Gel [E. FOUGERA & CO.] suggest that the generics from Fougera are available. Has anyone been able to buy it ?

By: Anne

Anne — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:03:36 +0000

It’s more than three years now since generic Metrogel first received “tentative approval” from FDA, as I understand it. What is the holdup? For my part, and you can delete this is you want, I believe the pharmaceutical company that makes Metrogel is fighting it for all it’s worth, maybe literally. Too much lucre pours into their coffers for them to give up on this ridiculously expensive medication.