Despite suggestions that Generic Metrogel is easily available in the US, there are scant reports online from users getting access to cheaper Metronidazole 1% treatments.
In July this year Sandoz announced that they were selling a generic version of Metrogel 1%.
The generic versions of metronidazole gel were previously restricted to 0.75% as the patent for that concentration had expired.
Galderma subsequently created a swag of new patents when they released Metrogel 1%.
This announcement from Sandoz is the first indication that a 1% formulation of metronidazole is readily available in the US.
Sandoz is producing generic metrogel 1% through an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) held by Tolmar Inc. This means that Tolmar was able to gain approval for their version of metronidazole 1% gel and are allowing Sandoz to create a product based on their approval.
In 2009 Galderma dropped their suit filed against Tolmar, after they submitted their ANDA for FDA approval. In those legal proceedings Tolmar claimed that their formulation of 1% metronidazole wouldn’t infringe any of the patents Galderma say protects it from generic competition.
Sandoz Press Release
Princeton, New Jersey, July 02, 2013
Sandoz today announced the US launch of metronidazole 1% topical gel, the first generic version of METROGEL 1%. Metronidazole 1% topical gel is indicated for the topical treatment of inflammatory lesions of rosacea, a condition that affects an estimated 16 million Americans.
“This significant launch further expands our offering of high-quality, affordable dermatology medicines,” said Peter Goldschmidt, President of Sandoz US. “As the US and global leader in generic topical medicines, Sandoz is proud to be the first company to market a generic version of this important treatment option to US patients.”
Sandoz is marketing metronidazole topical gel in the 1% strength, the same strength marketed for METROGEL 1%. Sandoz is commercializing metronidazole 1% topical gel through an ANDA held by Tolmar Inc.
Metrogel 1% Sales
The Sandoz press release contained the following interesting financial snippet –
According to IMS Health, US sales for branded metronidazole 1% topical gel were USD 110 million for the 12 months ending in April 2013.
So Metrogel 1% is responsible for almost $10 million in sales per month !
Metrogel was responsible for generating sales of about $75 million in 2004.
Sandoz Metrogel 1% Cost
A comment left on Generic Metrogel soon – Fougera by Susan says:
Walmart Pharmacy now has the Generic Metrondazole Vaginal Gel by Sondoz in a Big Tube for $38.36 and it works great for me.
This comment was from 2010 so it not likely to be the 1% version.
Have you tried Sandoz Metronidazole 1% Gel?
If you do succeed in filling a prescription for Sandoz’s Metrogel 1% please do let us know in the comments below how much you paid.
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In late July I got a 60g tube of Sandoz Metronidazole 1%, it was $10 copay through my new ACA Silver health insurance. This was quite a shock, I was quoted $80.
I had previously been on Medicaid and Metrogel (or a generic) was not covered (they excluded “merely cosmetic” drugs) and I had been getting Galderma brand-name product for free through a prescription assistance program. But that program was discontinued. I worked for several months (rationing my of Metrogel, ran out, and had a serious flareup) to try to find a way to lower the cost, but my health insurance considered it non-formulary, the highest cost category. The lowest quote I could get was $80, even with an insurance partial reimbursement. That $80 is higher than my monthly insurance premium. So I scrimped and saved and finally just bit the bullet and filled the scrip. Imagine my surprise when I got the bill for $10 instead of $80.
So far, the Sandoz product seems effective and feels about the same as the brand name product. At this low cost, I use it liberally.
Hey Charles, thanks so much for your comment, it will be very useful to others out there thinking about how to get hold of it as well. all the best.
I just picked up my Metro Gel 1% from our Pharmacy, Super store, in Canada…I was shocked at the price $48.14 for 55GM….Last time I bought it was a tube 60g (Galderma) for much less…Why such a big mark up.??? Thank you … I just may have to switch to Green Tea:?
I went to pick up a “generic” tube of 1% gel and my cost was $195. I was told the insurance company picked up $84 of the cost. This is an outrage. Fortunately my rosacea is bothersome but not extreme. I’m doing without.
Is there a difference in Sandoz Metronidazole 1% and Taro Metronidazole 1%?
My face seems to become very red when I use the Taro brand.