Saving with Generic Pet Medications

Generic pet medications are typically less expensive than the brand name meds and they typically contain the same ingredients. If you want to save some money, you can opt for the generic pet meds most of the times, but there are also other times when the vet will recommend the brand name.

Generic Pet Medications

Generic pet medications are the meds that contain the active ingredients found in the brand name equivalent of the meds.

If you want to save some money, you can opt for generic medication for your pet. When your vet prescribes a treatment, you should always ask if there is a generic medication or what the active ingredients in the meds are, so that you can shop around.

Most of the times, there will be no difference between the brand name and the generic pet meds, as the active ingredients are the same and will have the same effect on your pet.

You can be sure that the generic pet meds are safe, as they are FDA approved and the meds wouldn’t be available in pharmacies without an FDA approval. The Food and Drug Administration tests all medications for safety, efficiency and will also take a look at the manufacturing process. If the drugs don’t meet the basic requirements, these will not be approved. However, it’s important to check if the generic meds are still FDA approved and haven’t been FDA recalled.

Brand Name Medications

Typically, the brand name medications contain the same ingredients as the generic pet medications and may contain other additives that may change the taste of the product, making it more appealing to the pet. Typically, the added, inactive ingredients (i.e. dyes and fillers) have no therapeutic effects.

The prices of the brand name medications can vary significantly and are higher than the generic pet medications. However, in some cases, especially with prescription medication, you may not be able to find a generic equivalent for the brand name and you will have to opt for the brand name medication.

Saving Money with Generic Pet Medications

Most of the time, you can get the generic pet medications and this will save you a lot of money, the costs being a fraction of the brand name medications.

Allergy meds, arthritis tablets (i.e. Novox instead of the Rimadyl brand name), parasite removers and dewormers may be effective in treating and preventing these problems in dogs, regardless if they are generic or brand name. However, if your pet displays allergic reactions to the generic meds, this may be due to the fillers or dyes used, so the brand name may be tested for a change.

It is always important to check with your vet prior to purchasing a generic pet medication. Certain generic pet meds may have additives that can be damaging for the stomach lining, causing gastric ulcers in the long run.

Also, there may be certain meds that are not available as generic tablets.

 

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