Drugs for Pets at Human Pharmacies Can Save You Cash?
Have you ever had to fill a prescription for your pet and thought, "Holy cow, this is expensive!" Well, you're not alone but depending on what drugs your furry friend needs you could get a discount by picking them up from your local human pharmacy. (At least for certain drugs that are actually available those pharmacies.)
In this story from Lifehacker, the author references the American Animal Hospital Association's Veterinary Fee Reference and says that pet medications are often marked up 100-150% above cost. And if your pet needs medications that are prescribed for humans, you can save a boatload of cash by getting them filled where you get your prescriptions.
He cites one case where "one pet owner reduced her pet's anti-cancer drugs from $187 to $41.14 by switching the prescription to Walgreens where pets can be included as family members in that store's Prescription Savings Club."
If all this is true than it could certainly benefit your bank account. You might want to check into getting your pet's meds somewhere like Walgreens (I'm not sure what other pharmacies accept pet prescriptions, but there must be others).
If you need a drug that is available to prescribe for humans, and can find a pharmacy that will fill a script for your pet, you could be well on your way to some extra cash in your pocket.
Another way to save money is to buy your pets drugs online, but beware. The FDA says some online pet meds sites are not safe.
Some of the Internet sites that sell pet drugs represent legitimate, reputable pharmacies, says Martine Hartogensis, D.V.M., deputy director of the Office of Surveillance and Compliance in FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM). But others are fronts for unscrupulous businesses operating against the law.
FDA has found companies that sell unapproved pet drugs and counterfeit pet products, make fraudulent claims, dispense prescription drugs without requiring a prescription, and sell expired drugs.
My vet also said similar things and that you should always buy from a licensed vet or pharmacy when dealing with drugs. When you think you might be saving a few bucks you "may be short-changing your pet's health and putting its life at risk."
More From 99.9 The Point
