Guide to Generic and Economical Animal Meds

If you're looking for cheap pet meds, then you have 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.

The best cheap pet meds are generic brands - they're approved by the FDA, safe, and just as effective as their expensive brand name alternatives. Given that, why would anyone want to still pay extra for your pet drugs?

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

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.

Savvy pet med buyers can buy basic, generic Ivermectin or other generic brands like TriHeart, ValueHeart and IverHeart.

Clyndamycin

Clyndamycin is the generic version of Cleocin - an antibiotic used to treat skin infections, osteomyelitis, and toxoplasmosis.

Hydroxyzine as an Antihistamine

Hydroxyzine is the generic version of Atarax - an antihistamine used to treat inflammatory problems and allergic reactions like snake bites, insect bites, itchy skin, and severe skin allergies.

Selegiline

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 - a Generic Brand

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?

Generic pet medications are significantly cheaper than brand name drugs. Pet owners can expect to save around 50 percent and as much as 80 percent. You'll also benefit from competitive pricing as more manufacturers begin producing generic pet medications.

Where Can I Purchase Generic Pet Medications?

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.

Of course, the rules surrounding pet medications vary from state to state. Some require the pharmacy to automatically issue the generic drug unless indicated otherwise. Meanwhile, a few states demand that authorization be obtained from the doctor or veterinarian before a generic alternative can be sold.

Are Generic Pet Medications as Safe as Brand Name Options?

If you're concerned about buying cheap pet meds because you're scared about quality, remember that a drug can't be approved in the United States by the FDA unless it meets a particular standard for efficacy and the amount of drug absorbed from each pill. To ensure you're buying quality generic drugs, purchase from a pet pharmacy based in the United States.

Article Tags: Brand Name, Generic Version