Medications For Our Pets

[corgimom]

I wanted to post this as some of us now, or in the future may have our pets on medication which may be required to be given daily for many months or longer. I guess I did not realize that by law, in some state, vets have to write us a prescription (if we request it) so that we can order our medication from a mail order pharmacy.

I have been talking to someone on a Yahoo group which is geared towards what my cat has(the one who has been ill) and found out that I am being charged about double the price for the medication he is on (because it is presribed and filled by my vet). I will be checking into this further. But here are a couple of links - one showing the individual states which you can click on and read about.

First are some pharmacies that will sell to you directly; I have dealt with Wedgewood before for one of my other cats(for his eye drops) and have had very good, fast service from them and the medication was way cheaper.

http://members.verizon.net/~vze2r6qt/supplies/vp.htm

http://monumentpharmacy.com/

http://www.roadrunnerpharmacy.com/

States listed where you can check on your own and what the requirements are. It also says to check with your state pharmacy board, as things can change quickly.

http://members.verizon.net/~vze2r6qt/supplies/legal.htm

[Dillydoodle]

My old vet was charging me about 35% more for the insulin my cat was on, then i started ordering it directly from the manufacturer/pharmacy out in TX and got it for so much less INCLUDING the specialized overnight refridgerated delivery...

Thanks for posting that information LInda..

Emilie

[Crazy Cardis]

I did the same thing for flea treatments. The exact same product I was getting from my vet was quite a bit more than I found online. It definitely "pays" to do some research :)

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

One thing to keep in mind, at least with the flea medication, they do not stand by their product if you purchase it anwhere but from them or the vet. Don't know if it is the same with other meds.

[corgimom]

One thing to keep in mind, at least with the flea medication, they do not stand by their product if you purchase it anwhere but from them or the vet. Don't know if it is the same with other meds.


MGM where did you read that about flea medication? Anyway - at least on the Doctors/smith website it says you do not need a prescription for flea medication; but made no mention that they did not stand by the product.

Really, what I am referring to in regards to some of these meds are those that a pet may be taking on a daily basis due to chronic illnesses where it can get very expensive if you get it from your vet. Some states say the vet must write a presciption if we ask for it and want to send it to a pharmacy that can fill it for a reduced price, while other states say the vets don't have to write one. According to this woman I got the information from, she is getting Cisapride at a cost of about 75 cents a pill from one of those pharmacies, while mine comes out to $1.75 a pill because it is ordered by my vet(he gets it from a pharmacy also, but it is so expensive because he gets his "cut".

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

My vet told me that the warranty of the fleas meds is only covered if purchased from them with a prescription. That if you ever have a health problem with it, there can't be any question of how it was handled. (Not making this up, promise, and it makes sense.) And I know that you don't have to have a prescription, I've purchaased it at Petco before.

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

Just remembered this, if you have pet insurance, and I do, the flea meds are only deductable if they are prescribed by the vet, and for the same reason.

[corgimom]

In my case though I am going to check into getting my cats daily medication filled and mailed from one of those pharmacies.(if he will be willing to write me the prescription) My vet already orders it from one, but because he does the work and distributes it to me, the extra cost is passed onto me.

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

You're getting it from a pharmacy, with a prescription, so doesn't sound like there is a problem there, I think the problem rises from some of these internet sites that have been questioned about the quality and safety of the medicines, and if they are indeed the same product(think China). I know that my vet said this about Frontline, and about the heartworm preventative. I distinctly remember being told that the companies do not guarantee the product unless it comes from a vet with a prescription. And I know that you can only file a claim with their pet insurance(I have the bumper to bumper coverage, including vaccinations and cancer care) for the Frontline and Heartworm preventative if you received a prescription. And it makes sense. (And I would get medicine from a pharmacy or online doctor if the price was better, if I could claim it.)

[Dillydoodle]

Heartworm medication in CT does need a prescription and many vets wont write it for you to fill it elsewhere... but the flea and tick stuff that at the vets around here are the same if you get it on line from dr fosters and smith or anywhere else... the ones they sell in petco ( or the petco around here ) are all biospot which i dont think is as good as the frontline.

As for meds - in CT you cant get insulin syringes in a pharmacy without a prescription but you CAN order them online without one... but the insulin itself you need a prescription no matter what... which i found funny... the needles should be what are being regulated with drug users and such, not the insulin...afterall, if you get get insulin but not a needle, how could you take it ... and why would you want to if you weren't diabetic? that always threw me for a loop when ordering supplies for Misty. By the way if anyone ever needs to order insulin supplies or other medical supplies go to www.hocks.com they are fast and reasonably priced... that is where i used to go for misty's diabetes supplies.

As for other supplies, it costs more to get the same steriod at the vet than from CVS ...so i always ask now if i can get the pet med at a CVS... if so, they can call in the prescription and i can save money rather than having to pay the higher vet prices ( and yes, they get their cut for sure)

Emilie

[corgimom]

You're getting it from a pharmacy, with a prescription, so doesn't sound like there is a problem there, I think the problem rises from some of these internet sites that have been questioned about the quality and safety of the medicines, and if they are indeed the same product(think China).


I see what you are saying MGM but with all medications whether we ourselves order them from a pharmacy in the US ourselves or if the vet fills them at the office, we don't know where the product is made . It's no different if my doctor writes me a prescription and then I go to Walgreens, how do I know where that medication was originally made. Same with vitamins. And all the medicines that our vets distribute to us, we don't know what pharmacy they get them from or where they are made originally. But I see your point in that if our pet has a bad reaction to a med, who would we turn to(to make a claim) if it was something that the vet was not specifically involved in, regarding dispensing it to us personally.

In my situationI will be interested in seeing where my vet gets the Cisapride because he ordered it from a compounding pharmacy in AZ - well, two of the links I provided are compounding pharmacies in AZ - so if he is getting it from one of those and passing the "handling" costs on to me, I would obviously rather do the legwork myself and save have the price.

And one note, Wedgewood Pharmacy was recommended by an eye specialist that dealt with my cat when he got an ulcer on it two years ago- in fact he was the one who intially called in the prescription and then I was able to keep renewing it for a year and had it sent. Way cheaper .The intial drops from Walgreens were $100 for a tiny vial. So I can't imagine he would have recommended the mail order pharmacy if he wasn't confident in their reputation. But, yes, one has to be careful with where they are getting their pets meds from

[mtoy]

A lot of vets (including mine) will price match on meds if you bring in a printout of the product w/price from the internet. That way you can get the vet med guarantee and the lower price.

[corgimom]

A lot of vets (including mine) will price match on meds if you bring in a printout of the product w/price from the internet. That way you can get the vet med guarantee and the lower price.


That is really nice, does he do this on all types of meds, or just the flea/ tick and heartworm meds?

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

I have purchased Frontline Plus at Petco many times, for cats and the dogs, prior to getting the insurance, it's the only flea meds that I have used. And yes, I know that Heartgard, or Inteceptor, what I use now, requires a prescription, they have to be tested each year for a renewal, I know that. I do it each year. My only point was that if you ever have any issue with the flea meds, or Heart meds, the company does not guarantee it if you didn't purchase it properly. Think about it, if you were at a flea market, and there was someone there selling Frontline for $25, and you couldn't pass up that deal, but your dog became sick. Should the company be responsible for that med? I remember my vet telling me that the company would not guarantee the product and it makes total sense.

[mtoy]

That is really nice, does he do this on all types of meds, or just the flea/ tick and heartworm meds?

I haven't tried it with anything else, but it sounds like they would do it with most common meds. (Knock on wood) my dogs haven't needed too much in the way of meds. Thta's one of the reasons I hesitate to change vets, ours is pretty reasonably priced for our area.

[corgimom]

I have purchased Frontline Plus at Petco many times, for cats and the dogs, prior to getting the insurance, it's the only flea meds that I have used. And yes, I know that Heartgard, or Inteceptor, what I use now, requires a prescription, they have to be tested each year for a renewal, I know that. I do it each year. My only point was that if you ever have any issue with the flea meds, or Heart meds, the company does not guarantee it if you didn't purchase it properly. Think about it, if you were at a flea market, and there was someone there selling Frontline for $25, and you couldn't pass up that deal, but your dog became sick. Should the company be responsible for that med? I remember my vet telling me that the company would not guarantee the product and it makes total sense.


Well no, I would not purchase frontline from a Flea market, but I would from DrsFosterSmith(it's the same product) Remember the vet gets a cut when they sell you this stuff and as far as the Heartguard, Cody gets it monthly and my vet requires them to be tested everyother year; I am sure other vets have different requirements.

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

LOL, yes I know that they get a cut, know that they push products, etc, etc........(fairly smart here) and I know that it even costs a little more, but my only point is that I want to be able to claim it(insurance), and if something happens(illness, reaction, tainted product)I want to make sure that the company pays. I AM NOT SAYING THAT YOU CAN'T GET THE EXACT SAME PRODUCT SOMEWHERE ELSE FOR A MUCH BETTER PRICE. (And my vets do require a yearly test, and they both get Interceptor tabs each month.)

[corgimom]

MGM,

I called DrsFosterSmith - the Frontline Plus is the exact same product that our vets distribute. It is made by Merial. They can charge less because they buy it in bulk. It is not true that the product is not warranted if defective and bought through them rather than our vets.- per the representative there. The DrsFoster/Smith company is a Licensed pharmacy and they are licensed vets(I think that part is obvious):WINK: They are also a compounding pharmacy . Here is the link if someone wanted to get a quote on a medication they may be using for their pets.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/general.cfm?gid=196

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/general.cfm?N=3001&gid=240

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/general.cfm?N=3001&gid=270

If something were to go wrong or the product was defective,(Frontline) you would go through Merial, just like our vets would because they get the product from them also. Also, I checked the Frontline site and Merial does not cover medical expenses; you can read their statement below;(that is where your pet insurance would come in if they cover illnesses or reactions associated with Flea treatment products)

http://frontline.us.merial.com/products/products_guarantee.asp

However, you have pet insurance and I don't -(so yes, I see your point) so if your insurance says, they themselves, will not cover any illnesses associated with Frontline because you got the Frontline from someone else, other than your personal vet(that is their policy and completely different) But I would assume your insurance company would also go after the makers of Frontline(merial) - but I have to wonder, if you can get Frontline from a place such as DrsFoster/Smith which is a licensed pharmacy with licensed vets then why would your insurance not cover the Exact same product from them;does their policy says "Your personal licensed Vet"?

I :SHOCKED: to find out that I can can cisapride from Drs.Foster/Smith for 40 cents a tablet - rather than the $1.75 a tablet I am paying my vet(talk about a markup) - Now, if my cat will be on this long term, I am hoping my vet will have a bit of sympathy and write the prescription so I can get it through them(although by Wisconsin law, he does not have to)

[corgimom]

An Email from Drs.Foster/Smith

"It used to be that we did not guarantee the heartwormer we carried. This policy has changed;

"Dr. Foster and Dr. Smith personally guarantee prescription heartworm preventives purchased through Doctors Foster and Smith Pharmacy. If your pet tests positive for heartworm or intestinal worms at any point during the administration of preventive medications which were purchased through our pharmacy, you may be eligible for reimbursement of diagnostic and treatment costs. Listed below are the specifications of our policy..."

Regarding our Frontline and Frontline Plus, our personal guarantee states "If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase, please return it for a refund, an exchange, or credit of the full product cost."

You are correct that the Frontline and Frontline Plus we offer would be the exact same product that you purchase from your pet's Vet, yes."

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

Maybe I need to clear something up because I may have confused you and used poor wording. The Frontline Plus and Heartworm Preventative would be covered by my insurance if I purchased from the Dr Foster and Smith, because as you say, they are Dr.s, and a pharmacy, that would meet the requirements. I didn't mean that I only had one choice, my personal vet, I could go to any vet, but it would still need to come from there vs a corner store(referring to the Frontline Plus here) as for the Heartworm Preventative, then yes, the product would still be guaranteed because you would still be getting it from a Dr., their site meets all the requirements for me to file, and for me(and everyone else) to have the product guaranteed. I did not mean to imply(and I think that I did) that I only had ONE choice, my choice just has to be from a Dr., and for products to be guaranteed they just have to come from a Dr. I guess this is just a way for them to have some sort of quality control for the product. I never said that items coming from Foster and Smith would not be the same, I am very aware of their reputation and would trust them, I never complained about them, or other legit sources, remember, I told you that I have purchased Frontline Plus at Petco. (And thanks for pointing out this, I may start getting both from Dr Foster and Smith.)

Love ya Linda!!! :SMILE:

[corgimom]

Okay MGM - yes, I was a bit confused, thanks for clearing that up, I thought it had to be from your personal vet in order for your insurance to "back it up" - I knew you would never buy it from a flea market.:LAUGH: +WUBCLUB+

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

A vet, or same such, that's what I meant. I just can't buy from a store, like Petco, anymore, if I want to file a claim. I'm going to look into Fosters and Smith, I think I used to get a magazine from them, I think. And I know you too well to think that you would buy such items at a flea market, only used it as an example because there is a really big flea market in CA that I would go to with my husband, they had a REALLY big produce area, products right off the farm and we really loved that, but there would also be people there selling everything you could imagine, even toothpaste, shamppo, and even pet supplies(And I have seen both Frontline and Heartgard there). Scary, and I would actually see people buying it. I would always wonder as to where they obtained the products, and if they were the real thing.

[corgimom]

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/General.cfm?N=3001&gid=569

a description of their guarantee

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

I was referring to the product's company guaranteeing the product if not purchased from a legit distributor. I have no doubt that F and S sell the same quality products and are legit distributors.

[corgimom]

I was referring to the product's company guaranteeing the product if not purchased from a legit distributor. I have no doubt that F and S sell the same quality products and are legit distributors.


MGM, my last post(with the link) was not directed to you personally, it was only for informational purposes so people could read "their(Fosters/Smith) guarantee" I wanted to edit a post of mine a couple down and insert the link, but I was not able to, so I just made a seperate entry to post the link. I would think if a product failed and they made payment for medical treatment on someones pet, they in turn would deal with the manufacturer of the product(but that is only my guess)

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

Okay, and I had problems with being able to edit yesterday as well, and I know it's not the computer, because I switched and it still happened. Anyway, thanks again for pointing me to them, I must have been on their mailing list at one point, and I've never ordered anything from them, but I am going to look into getting meds from them, Frontline, Interceptor, etc..... :SMILE:

[corgimom]

That's fine, I had the editing issue yesterday also. Really my intent of the thread was for people that may have animals with chronic illnesses or conditions that require daily meds, maybe for months or longer - to make them aware that they can get the same meds at a reputable compounding pharmacy(with their vets prescription) by themselves; for a much lower cost. Not that heartworm pills and flea medication are not meds, but that wasn't my reason for the thread.

Vets use them(compounding pharmacies) all the time - only thing is the pills come to them, they sort them into our vials and slap on a sticker with our name and directions and then the mark up$$ is huge which we pay.

People just need to be aware there are other options for them because no one wants to pay huge amounts for medicine if they don't have to.

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

And you were absolutely correct, as usual, in doing so. I have nothing against obtaining medications in the manner that you describe, or from the places that you describe. And who doesn't like to save money. I only wanted to point out that with pet insurance, you have to make sure you can still claim it, and that the producet is still guaranteed, by the distributor as well as the manufacturer. Thanks for starting this thread, it is appreciated, and it may very well help all of us since we all make these purchases, from Frontline to insulin. (And you're right, I do consider Frontline true medicine, I don't take it lightly, and really hate to use it, but when I do, I want to know that my usage has the company's blessing and my vet's backing. I was not questioning you, wouldn't do that, your research is always right on the money, I was just adding to it.) :SMILE:

[MVons]

there is a really big flea market in CA that I would go to with my husband, there would also be people there selling everything you could imagine, even toothpaste, shamppo, and even pet supplies(And I have seen both Frontline and Heartgard there). Scary, and I would actually see people buying it. I would always wonder as to where they obtained the products, and if they were the real thing.The other worry is temperature control. We insisted on the tablets for Heartgard for years instead of the chewables because the chewables were to be stored at a temperature lower than 80F and our home in Poway got up to 85F. A flea market with the products sitting in the sun would be bad news. I checked Fosters & Smith and my Vet charges $1 less than their price. I guess no mark up because he wants all the dogs on the product! Yes, I like him.

Merrie

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

Good point MVONS, I'm one for reading labels, and that sure sounds like a major glitch in the hot areas, or anywhere in the summer months. My two went on Interceptor this year, so I don't have to worry about those chewable Heartgard chunks(but Miss Gambler did really like it.) And yes, that flea market has absolutely no shade, so very hot, but was worth it for the fruit!!!!

[corgimom]

Okay, I found out a bit of information here that has me thoroughly confused right now.

yesterday a representative from Drs.Foster Smith told me they get Frontline Plus from Merial(the same place our vets would get it) Today, I talked to Merial and they said that Foster/Smith even though they are licensed vets, are not their "clients"and they do not sell to them. - however, Merial said they back their product( Frontline) as long as it was sold to licensed vets; which Foster/Smith are.

So I called Dr Fosters/Smith again and talked to someone else and the lady said they get their product from a USA licensed Supplier(not Merial, but she said she didn't know who the supplier was) but it is the same product as our vets get.

The guy at Merial said that if the Frontline is from a Foreign place, it will have stripes on the back of the foil packaging. They said they can't say that it's not the same product sent to Fosters/smith, but they just know they don't ship to them directly+GOOFY+ They didn't have anyone else available to answer my questions.

So I am sorry that I posted earlier yesterday that Merial dealt with Foster/Smith, but that is what I was initially told and now I am confused.:SPINNY: I honestly don't know who was right or wrong, the guy at Merial didn't offer to check with anyone else for me like a supervisor to verify their information they were passing on.

But on a side note, the lady at Fosters/Smith say they do back their products.

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

My vet told me that Frontline and Heartgard can come from disreputable sources, same package, same looking product, but handled differently, so the product is only guaranteed by the manufacturer if purchased from a legit distributor. This is what I have been so poorly trying to say.

[corgimom]

My vet told me that Frontline and Heartgard can come from disreputable sources, same package, same looking product, but handled differently, so the product is only guaranteed by the manufacturer if purchased from a legit distributor. This is what I have been so poorly trying to say.


That is what the Merial guy said to me basically; it has to be from a Us Licensed Supplier - which Dr Foster smith said they buy from a U.S. Licensed Supplier(just not directly from Merial, which previously, the other woman said they did)- so I am still confused . The guy at Merial said it would have stripes on the foil if it was from a foreign place.

However, I would have like to talk to someone else at merial

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

That is so silly, stripes on the foil, geez, what it should have is a warning telling people. Who knows to look for the stripes??? I know that F&S have a great reputation, so not doubting them at all.

[corgimom]

That is so silly, stripes on the foil, geez, what it should have is a warning telling people. Who knows to look for the stripes??? I know that F&S have a great reputation, so not doubting them at all.

I sent them an email, let's see if I get "third, different answer":LAUGH:

[sutulu]

I'm glad you brought this up and you are doing the leg work on this.

I have been ordering flea/tick (K9Advantix) from Fosters and Smith but getting the heartworm from the Vet.

Although Vet Care is expensive, my Vet clinic has a huge staff and I know all the equipment they have is very costly. They do keep up with technology.

That being said, I decided to suck it up with the overcharge by the vet on heartworm meds.

I will be looking for your reply from Fosters and Smith.

Susan

[corgimom]

I am still waiting on the email from Fosters/Smith but they are pretty good at responding, so I am sure they will.

And after talking with my vet today, he was more than happy to order me my prescription for my cat(through Wedgewood compounding Pharmacy) instead of going through him; 100 capsules will cost me $38 + 5 shipping and will be mailed directly to me - had I kept renewing this medication through my vet, I was paying $38 for 20 pills; but I have to wonder why they don't tell you this is available$$

Pays off to do some leg work and don't be afraid to bring this up to your vet and ask him to do this for you if you ever need long term medication for your animals.

[corgimom]

Here is DrsFoster/Smith response via email 6/11/07 - They mention prescription medicatiions, and I also asked them about Frontline - I am assuming their sentence starting out "our Products are purchased" is referring to that. Either way, I am satisfied with their response.


"Thank you for your inquiry with Drs. Foster and Smith Pharmacy.

Please be assured there is no reason for concern. Medications sold by Drs. Foster and Smith are identical in every way to those obtained from your veterinarian. We are a fully licensed pharmacy, with a staff of trained pharmacists and veterinarians who are responsible to see that your veterinarian?s prescriptions are accurately filled in accordance with state and federal law. All of our medications are purchased from United States manufacturers, distributors, and veterinarians, and have been approved by the FDA for sale in the United States.

Our pharmacy is secure, has restricted access, and is environmentally controlled at ALL times, in accordance with state and federal laws. Our products are purchased either directly from the manufacturers or from licensed distributors or wholesalers who are licensed to sell products by the manufacturers.

It is unfortunate that consumers are sometimes presented with inaccurate or incomplete information. Our policy is to ensure 100% compliance with all state and federal laws and to present you with the facts, so that you can make an informed decision about where you want to purchase prescription medications.

I hope that I have addressed your concerns. We hope to be able to provide pharmaceutical services to you in the future. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at your earliest convenience. If you wish to speak with one of our pharmacists, please feel free to call toll free, (800) 447-3021."


Cordially

Drs Foster and Smith Pharmacy
Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm CST

"Once again thank you for inquiring with Drs Foster and Smith Pharmacy. While we make every effort to help pet owners care for their pet(s); we are not a substitute for proper veterinary care. If your pet is or becomes seriously ill, please seek the advice of your veterinarian to better assist you. Together we can make your pet a healthier, happier companion."

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

As stated previously, I really wasn't questioning F&S, they have a wonderful reputation. And the letter you posted clearly states that they receive their medicines from the manufacturer or a licensed distributor, which answers all the questions concerning safety and the ability to claim on insurance. Thanks for posting the letter Linda. (And everyone should remember to look for stripes on the foil of Frontline, that's something else that's very important that we have learned here!!!)

[MVons]

I finally found the prescription my Vet had written for Chester for Iverhart plus for heartguard. He wrote for me to buy it from Omaha Vaccine. I did a search and their website popped up. Their price is $23 for two packages - one year for the 25-50lb variety. So half price from with the Vet can sell it at.

So happy to save money, oh yes and check out their website of other items to buy.

It is FedEx to my door. Time to order before it gets too hot for shipping.

http://www.petsuppliesdelivered.com/tableofcontents.cfm?transid=310976

[Bobbie]

My vet told me that the warranty of the fleas meds is only covered if purchased from them with a prescription. That if you ever have a health problem with it, there can't be any question of how it was handled. (Not making this up, promise, and it makes sense.)

It doesn't make sense unless the vet is also administering the flea med. Otherwise you could take it home and do all the wrong things with it. It's a marketing ploy.

Having said that, I would not look elsewhere for things my vet sells unless the prices were through the roof; I would rather he make money on those things and keep his actual care prices lower. (He actually keeps both very low.) I don't like it when the vet pushes products, though (Mine doesn't but I've been to some who do.)

Bobbie