Clinical and Economical Considerations in Topical Corticosteroid Selection

Taro Pharmaceuticals Solves a Puzzling Enigma for Dermatologists

FDA regulations require that generic topical steroids match the active ingredients, concentration, and dosage of brand topical steroids, but the generic formulations do not have to match the bioequivalence of branded formulations. Vasoconstrictor assays have found large differences in bioequivalence between generic and trade name topical steroid formulations containing the same steroid in the same concentration in both cream and ointment vehicles. However, Taro Pharmaceuticals desoximetasone 0.05% and desoximetasone 0.25% ointments are a notable exception. Both branded and generic desoximetasone 0.05% and desoximetasone 0.25% ointments are produced by Taro Pharmaceuticals and contain the same excipients in the vehicle. Consequently, physicians do not have to be concerned about differences in therapeutic effectiveness between Taro's generic and brand desoximetasone ointments.