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Generic MetroCream
You can buy a generic MetroCream (metronidazole cream) product. This skin cream is available in one strength and one size, and is made by various manufacturers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has determined that these generic versions of MetroCream are as good as the brand-name product, although they may contain different inactive ingredients.
MetroCream® (metronidazole cream) is a prescription skin medication approved for the treatment of rosacea. It comes in the form of a cream that is applied twice a day.
Brand-name MetroCream is made by Galderma Laboratories, L.P. However, the patents for this medication have expired, and it is available in generic form.
Just like brand-name MetroCream, generic metronidazole cream is available in one strength (0.75%) and in one size (45-gram tube). It is made by various manufacturers, such as Fougera and G&W Laboratories, Inc.
Is Generic Metronidazole Cream as Good as MetroCream?
All generic medications must undergo certain tests to compare them to brand-name medications. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) then looks at these tests to decide if the generics are equivalent to the brand-name medications and assigns a rating to each one.
An "AB" rating means that the FDA has determined that a generic medication is equivalent to a brand-name medication. All of the generic versions of metronidazole cream currently available have an "AB" rating, meaning they should be equivalent to MetroCream.
However, generic medications are allowed to have different inactive ingredients than the brand-name medication. This might include fillers, dyes, or other ingredients that may cause problems for people with allergies or sensitivities.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD