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Introduction To Accepted And Economical Pet Medications

Tuesday, December 16th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed

We all love our pets. And in the purchase of, say, typical pet supplies or dog food, we might tend toward feeling that money is no object.

This can even be so when shopping for animal medications. However, the good news is that you can still provide high quality care for your beloved pet while simultaneously cutting way back on medication costs buy purchasing generic brands.

If you’re looking for cheap pet meds, you will need to start buying generic. Savvy pet owners can save as much as 70 percent for drugs that are just as effective as their brand name counterparts.

To learn more about popular generic pet drugs and whether they are a good option for your beloved pet, keep reading.

The Drug Ivermectin

Among cheap pet meds is Ivermectin, the active drug found in Heartgard - a popular heartworm prevention medication. It is administered monthly either year-round or during mosquito season, the peak period when the disease can be transmitted.

Ivermectin is available as a generic drug and is considered to be a general anti-parasite. Generic versions that are most often sold include ValueHeart, TriHeart, Generic Ivermectin and IverHeart.

Clyndamycin

Clyndamycin is an antibiotic used in both humans and animals to treat skin infections and diseases like toxoplasmosis, a particularly dangerous condition for pregnant women. The brand name version of the drug is called Cleocin.

Hydroxyzine

Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine, so it’s used for inflammations - usually those caused by severe skin allergies or allergic reactions to bug or animal bites. The brand name version of the drug is called Atarax.

Selegiline for Cognitive Needs

Selegiline is a drug used to treat a neural condition known as canine cognitive dysfunction system, basically any of the mental symptoms associated with old age. So, reduced coordination or confusion would be within scope here. The brand name version of the drug is called Anipryl.

Enalapril

Enalapril is the generic version of Enacard - a drug used to treat heart failure or ongoing heart problems. Essentially, the drug helps the heart beat slower, but more efficiently.

Generic Meds - Are They Cheaper?

Yes, generic pet medications are typically 40 to 50 percent cheaper than their brand name alternatives and sometimes by as much as 70 or 80 percent. Because there are multiple manufacturers for many generic drugs, you may also find even cheaper prices thanks to competitive pricing.

Generic Meds - How Can I Get Them?

In most states, you can ask for a generic version of a drug unless your veterinarian has specifically stated that the prescription is for the brand name only and there are to be no substitutions by the issuing pharmacy. If you’re worried, ask your veterinarian to simply prescribe the generic version of the drug.

The rules will depend on your state - with some states automatically substituting the generic version, others requiring that you request it specifically and a rare few requiring veterinarian authorization for the switch.

Are Generic Pet Medications as Safe as Brand Name Options?

Buying cheap pet meds doesn’t mean you’re coming home with low-quality pet meds. Every prescribed drug in the United States, whether for people or animals, must be approved by the FDA and held to a high standard of quality. To make sure you’re getting quality, generic medications, always buy from an approved pet pharmacy based in the U.S.