Fluticasone now in generic, sort of

Flonase, one of the first line corticosteroid nasal sprays is now available in generic from PAR pharmaceutical .

[Tony Hall]

I don't know, but the 'generic' is just the same as the brandname Flonase. Also, UHC moved Flonase to Tier 3 and made the generic Tier 2. When talking with an UHC agent, I found out they are paying more out for the 'generic' than for the brandname.

Personally I am not getting the same effect from the 'generic' as from the brandname. If it is made by the same company, I think they changed something to differentiate it from the brandname. I just reordered and I am going to pay the extra for the brandname and see what is the difference.

[Marie Stanford]

My pharmacist substituted the generic Fluticasone for the Flonase that I have been using for years. I have very serious problems with allergies and Flonase has been working for me just fine. When I objected to the switch the Pharmacist said that it had the same active ingredients. Being in a hurry, I accepted the generic. I could tell right away that there was a difference. Two weeks later, I came down with a terrible sore throat from ear drainage. I had to have antibiotic to cure this illness. I was very upset with my pharmacy. It may have the same active ingredients, but it is definitely different. Why did the pharmacist switch the prescription to generic when the products cost the same? My husband said it was because there is more profit in the generic. I do not recommend this product.

[Lisa]

Marie Stanford wrote:

My pharmacist substituted the generic Fluticasone for the Flonase that I have been using for years. I have very serious problems with allergies and Flonase has been working for me just fine. When I objected to the switch the Pharmacist said that it had the same active ingredients. Being in a hurry, I accepted the generic. I could tell right away that there was a difference. Two weeks later, I came down with a terrible sore throat from ear drainage. I had to have antibiotic to cure this illness. I was very upset with my pharmacy. It may have the same active ingredients, but it is definitely different. Why did the pharmacist switch the prescription to generic when the products cost the same? My husband said it was because there is more profit in the generic. I do not recommend this product.

I was switched to the generic and am now having the jitters like I am on serious speed, constant headache and ringing in my ears....coincidence?

[Lee Milwaukee]

I noticed right away that the generic does not taste the same. I can not directly connect side affects to it but who knows. It doesn't seem to work as well as Flonase did.

[Mark]

Same reaction here as well. Day 6 today and I am having sinus clogging and tightness in my head. I am going back to the name brand must be something slightly different.

[Bonnie AOL]

I finally figured out why I have been haveing irregular heart beat. I stopped useing it and in one day the irregular heartbeat has stopped. I am in day 3 and its still has stopped.

[Cliff Kansas]

I have been using Flonase for several years. Flonase went to Tier Level 3 so I decided to use the generic Fluticasone. I have used to for over 2 month now. I have had severe ringing in both ears for over a month. The ringing is driving me crazy. I have a doctors appointment next week for this. After reading information on the internet I am concerned that the Fluticasone is causing my problems. I have decided to stop using it today. I hope this helps. If it does I will update.

[Steven in Maine]

I've had no allergies at all after using Flonase for three years. After two weeks of using the generic garbage I have had four allergy attacks.

There's no doubt that the generic is not identical. I can't wait to get back on Flonase. It's a miracle drug.

[Vickie Gassman]

I have been using Flonase for years. The pharmacist gave me the generic form of Flonase without even asking me. When I saw the orange lid I asked and she said it was generic flonase and costs less. I forgot about it and then went through 10 weeks of terrible pain in my vocal cords and larynx. I went to my regular doctor who told me I had a viral thyroid infection. After two more weeks I went to my thyroid specialist who took blood and performed tests and told me my thyroid was fine. He sent me to a ENT who put me through very painful tests to look at my vocal cords. Nothing was wrong! Finally I remembered that I switched to the generic form of Flonase right around the time all this started. I've been off the drug for 10 days and all my symptoms are GONE! The pharmist told me that the active ingredients are the same but the solution to deliver the active ingredients don't have to be exactly the same. I am notifying the FDA, my insurance company and the 3 doctors I've seen in the last 10 weeks.

[Par Flonase]

Not sure if anyone still reads this forum, but if you get the generic flonase distributed by PAR pharmaceuticals, that IS the exact formula as the brand.

There are 2 generics right now (and will be a third shortly.

The fluticasone made by Roxane is the new generic, the Par fluticasone is the Flonase you're used to using.

If you want the same stuff you're used to, request Par or find a pharmacy who caries it.

[Richard English]

HAs any one suffered from insomnia after switching to the generic fluticasone ?

I have has sveral bouts since switching and now have discontinued using the produact.
Just wondering

[Peter]

Par Flonase wrote:

Not sure if anyone still reads this forum, but if you get the generic flonase distributed by PAR pharmaceuticals, that IS the exact formula as the brand.
There are 2 generics right now (and will be a third shortly.
The fluticasone made by Roxane is the new generic, the Par fluticasone is the Flonase you're used to using.
If you want the same stuff you're used to, request

Par or find a pharmacy who caries it.

The PAR fluticasone formulation doesn't work for me at all. Flonase is a miracle drug (for me). The PAR is sub-par.

[Sharon Hockensmith]

I have allergies and have used Flonase for several years with no side effects or problems. A few months ago, my pharmacy also switched to the Roxane Laboratories generic brand: "Fluticasone". Ever since, I have been suffering with severe sinus pain and swelling. I also have swelling and ringing in my ears. Some days, I even have the pain so bad that my face and inner ears are throbbing. I saw the doctor twice for these issues and was treated for sinus infection and was given antibiotics and 1 treatment of Prednisone for the swelling. Nothing helped. I then had to have a CAT scan done of my sinuses which proved negative for sinus infection. I stopped taking the Fluticasone and have been back on Flonase for 5 days and all symptoms are going away. I will try the PAR Pharmaceuticals generic brand, but if that doesn't work or causes the same problems, you can be sure I'll go back to the good stuff: Flonase...it works!!

[Laurie]

Hi there....I switched to the generic 2 months ago. About a month ago I came down with an allergy attack that went to sinusitis. I have not had this problem for years with Flonase....Flonase was a miracle drug for me. Now 3 weeks later after the last attack I am having a serious problem with post nasal drip again....this generic stuff if crap. I a going in this week and paying the extra for the Flonase. Life was great with Flonase. I hope they can fix this as I will now have to pay $40 a month for the real thing....but I am willing to pay $10 a week for the relief of Flonase!!!!!!!!!!
I am happy I found this forum to see that I am not the only one having troubles....and my suspicions have been comfirmed.
Thanks all!!

[Doug]

I have switched to the generic brand, both kinds, and since the switch, I have gotten 2 ear infections. I took the Flonase brand for 2 years with NO PROBLEMS. The generices do not work as well. I had not had any ear infections for 20 years prior to getting 2 infections after switching.

[Mia]

I am so relieved to have found this discussion. In the six months since being on the generic - the PAR formulation - I've had 5 sinus infections, while the name brand Flonase made them almost obsolete. I'm calling the dr. now to get the name brand again.

[Cat Reid]

wow, I am so glad I looked this up and foud this site! I used Flonase before and had very good reseults, I just got a new Rx after not having used it for a while and the Pharmacy gave me the generic - I swear it cost more than the brand name and within 1 week of using I have an ear infection (I suspct) and a sore throat so bad I can't swallow. I thought I was fighting the flu, I never get the flu and I haven't had a sore throat like this since before they took my tonsils out in 1968! The headache wouldnt go away either- usally it goes away in a few days. I had to quit taking. Glad to know I am not imagining this stuff. thank you

[Doug]

Now I have gotten a 3rd ear infection and have terrible tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Don't know the exacat cause but we suspect it was from the initial infection that never cleared.

[Peter]

I'm using generic Flonase made by Roxane. It works fine for me. I home none of the posters are Flonase brand plants!

[Maru]

I have been using the GENERIC (of Flonase) for a week now & I am feeling terrible. It almost feels like I have the flu... but I don't. I'm not sick. I'm just extremely fatigued & my legs ache & my arms feel so heavy. I never had any problems with Flonase, but switched to the generic because of insurance. I guess all I can do is stop taking it & see if my symptoms clear up. Has anyone else had severe fatigue as a reaction to this generic?