Purchasing Subcutaneous fluid online -Will Vet Hate Me?

catsforlife

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Hi all, I have a question. I've been researching quite a bit about subcutaneous fluids and my cat recently started taking Normosol-R a few days ago. Most resources out there encourage you to look online if cost is an issue, which it is with me....

So, just curious what type of experience you all have had when getting a prescription from your vet? I was told by quite a few people to order from thrivingpets.com. Nobody I've talked to have had any problems with them.

Another thing is that they said that I should be able to find Lactated Ringers Solutions at many locations. But I just looked at my IV bag and it says Normosol-R on it??? Should I ask the vet about Lactated Ringers Solution instead? ....I'm not sure why Normosol-R solution was prescribed....

Anyway, I'm very nervious asking my vet for a presecription, because I don't want them to hate me, but the high price is killing me! They charge about $20.00 a bag for only 10 days worth of solution, whereas I can get 12 bags from thrivingpets.com for about $100.00(that also includes the high shipping price). So any thoughts on my questions? As always, any help is much appreciated

Thanks! Dusty
 

pat

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My vet had no problem in giving me a prescription, what is most important to her is that I give my cat the treatment she needs, not that I buy the fluids from her.

I find a good price (and No shipping...heh) by going to my local Costco (which did also take a prescription).

If you read the sticky thread on CRF, you will also find other links to various online resources for needles, iv tubing etc.

best wishes to your kitty,
 
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catsforlife

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Thanks Pat for your quick response. I think Costco only has the Lactated Ringers Solution though. I guess I can get that instead of the Normosol-R...

My cat also has hyperthyroidism and just a little bit of heart disease. I'm not sure if that factored into me getting Normosol-R instead?....

Or perhaps she errored in the prescription and meant to give me Lactated Ringers solution.

Thanks for making me feel better on asking for a prescription though.....
 

pat

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I would just ask if there was a specific reason, or if the lactated ringers is an option
 

mrsgreenjeens

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My Vet completely understands when I ask for prescriptions to order via the internet because of cost. I wouldn't give it a second thought about asking. BTW, I get my lactated ringers from Walgreens vs the internet, but order my iv sets via internet for about $1 per set, whereas my Vet charges $65 per SET!!! No, this is not a typo! (another reason why she completely understands my buying them elsewhere, since she doesn't set the prices).
 

darlili

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No vet should be upset if you broach the question to them - especially if you've been a good client and part of the reason is to save money in one place so you can continue bringing your cat in for treatment that only the vet can provide for you.

You might also check your local Target and other 'human' pharmacies, once you know exactly what you can get. They may be able to give you a price break as well.
 

treacyducks

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I'm not sure where you live but I was just able to find a case of 12 bags at Costco for $93.59. I'm not a Costco member, but if you are, it's $88.39 for a case. I'm in Oregon but maybe you have a Costco in your area. I will have to go elsewhere for the drip sets and needles but this will be far cheaper than the $29 I have been paying per bag/set. Good luck!
 

treacyducks

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I just got a call from my vet- they agreed to sell me 12 bags, 6 drip sets and 100 needles for $135.00. Not going to do much better than that. It may be worthwhile to take another shot at your vet or maybe another vet?
 

jenny82

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I order LRS subqs from Drsfostersmith.com. You can get bags for $11 each and $10 each if you buy 4 or more. They have free shipping on orders over $50.
 

lucy24

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After much research, I was able to buy a case of twelve 1000 ml fluid bags from Walmart for $47 using my FreeDrugCard.US. (That's about $4 per bag.) The card is free from their website. You can print it out and start using it immediately. It can be used for medication for pets or people. I just needed a prescription from my vet. I took the card and the prescription to six different pharmacies and got the best price from Walmart. I got the drip sets and needles from thrivingpets.com. No prescription necessary and the price was very low.
I live in CT and by law they have to write you a prescription for your pet's meds. In other words, you are not required to buy the meds from them, where they will charge you 10 times as much (literally). New York and California have the same law. Even if you live in a state that hasn't adopted this law yet, almost all vets will write you a prescription if you ask them to.
So don't feel the least bit guilty for buying your supplies from somewhere other than your vet. After all, wouldn't they do the same thing if they were in your situation?
Just trying to help people save money who are trying to give their pets a better quality of life. [emoji]128522[/emoji]
 

kittens mom

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In most cases a veterinarian is required to give you a prescriptions if you ask.  Understand it's not always money to them. If you leave with the medication your pet has a higher chance of getting it. Getting the first script of any drug from the vet lets you see the drug name and dose so that you are familiar with the product if you do order online.
 

lucy24

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I was mainly referring to the supplies needed for subcutaneous fluid injections, which are MUCH cheaper once you know where to buy them. Having done extensive research on this, I thought I would share my experience, saving others time and money. After all, I'm sure most of us have all spent enough just on visits to the vet.
 

donutte

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I bought mine through Thriving Pets, there's a Facebook group I'm part of that has a discount code through them. Of course, I completely forgot it. Anyway, this was my first time order fluids online, had no problem whatsoever. My vet also would have no problem writing a prescription for something if needed. While there is the point of view of them knowing that you are getting the medicine, if you're at the point you're getting subq fluids, odds are they don't have to worry about you actually getting it. Plus, my vet knows I get it because I do just get it online, so they fax him for it.
 

razorbackgrl01

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After much research, I was able to buy a case of twelve 1000 ml fluid bags from Walmart for $47 using my FreeDrugCard.US. (That's about $4 per bag.) The card is free from their website. You can print it out and start using it immediately. It can be used for medication for pets or people. I just needed a prescription from my vet. I took the card and the prescription to six different pharmacies and got the best price from Walmart. I got the drip sets and needles from thrivingpets.com. No prescription necessary and the price was very low.
I live in CT and by law they have to write you a prescription for your pet's meds. In other words, you are not required to buy the meds from them, where they will charge you 10 times as much (literally). New York and California have the same law. Even if you live in a state that hasn't adopted this law yet, almost all vets will write you a prescription if you ask them to.
So don't feel the least bit guilty for buying your supplies from somewhere other than your vet. After all, wouldn't they do the same thing if they were in your situation?
Just trying to help people save money who are trying to give their pets a better quality of life. [emoji]128522[/emoji]
@Lucy24  - did you get the Normosol-R or the Lactated Ringer from Walmart for that price?
 

duncansmommy

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I did this for my kitty with CKD. I thought I got the Ringers from Costco in a box of 25. I also bought the lines/needles online. 
 

eclaire

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I think the Normosol-R is probably just Lactated Ringers solution.
 

eclaire

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My local Walmart said they could not order a box. Any tips?
 

donutte

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I think the Normosol-R is probably just Lactated Ringers solution.
No, Normosol is sodium chloride - not the same as LRS.

My local Walmart said they could not order a box. Any tips?
I'm guessing you mean the Walmart Pharmacy? I don't use them, I got mine through Thriving Pets, but I think there's a delay with them right now because they're changing location. Costco is a place a lot of place go to get it, and I don't think you need a membership to use the pharmacy.
 
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