Medication Costs

Wasn't exactly sure which forum to post this in, but here goes.

I recently took my 3 year old long-hair calico, Max, to my vet. Max was having some eye and ear problems, apparently allergy related. The vet cleaned Max' ear and put in some drops. She also put in eye drops. I was told to get bottles of these meds when I checked out.

I was charged $32 and $38 for very small bottles of these meds. When I got home I goggled the meds and found they typically sold for about $8 a bottle.

I haven't had a problem with the quality of the care provided by the vet, but I find 400% markups on meds excessive. I don't begrudge the vet making a buck, but this is ridiculous.

Has anyone else experienced this? Is this normal?

Thanks for any feedback.

My vet is expensive too. And what bugs me is that if they give me something that my cats absolutely refuse to take they will not take the stuff back for a refund. Even though the packages have never been opened. And no senior discount either which bugs me.

If I were you, I would print out the online info & present it to them. Can't hurt.

Thanks for the quick feedback Primula, but sorry to hear this may be the norm.

Not necessarily. My vet is in a neighboring affluent town right near Whole Foods so this may be the norm for this town. I could save money by taking them someplace in my town, but I like the care my vet gives. If you have only one cat have you considered pet insurance?

I'm kind of in the same position as you. I do like the care this particular vet provides and would be somewhat reluctant to switch. And, I do have insurance, but it doesn't cover meds. I should look into med coverage.

I guess the reality is I didn't want to appear confrontational (or cheap) in addressing this with the vet, but I probably should. As you suggested, no harm in bringing it to their attention.

Thanks again for your input..

our cat has recurring medications, and our vet's office is fine with giving us prescriptions so we could get the meds filled elsewhere.  hopefully yours will be, too.

sailon said:

I guess the reality is I didn't want to appear confrontational (or cheap) in addressing this with the vet, but I probably should. As you suggested, no harm in bringing it to their attention

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It's your money (hard-earned, no doubt) & it doesn't mean you are cheap or confrontational in asking about this. They won't even care!

As you can tell, I'm somewhat new to this. I got Max (short for Maxine) at a rescue shelter and she is my first cat. Honestly, I'm a reasonably bright guy, but it didn't occurr to me to ask for a prescription.

Thanks.

Goodmorning

One of our rescued cats has just contracted a serious fungal infection that will require twice a day medication by pill, for plus 4 months,

.This medication appeared at first to be pretty expensive---$159 per month.

We were advised to check with Good Rx and were able to bring the cost down to $48 per month.

We cannot understand why feline medication is always extremely bitter---why not neutral so the cat cannot detect it ???

So far,2 tablets down and none in the cat--frustration !!!!!

Tony and Kat Wynne-Roberts

T tdiving
Some members put crushed tablets inside empty gel capsules that may be purchased online. They use a pill gun to dose the cat with the capsules. The bitter med taste is blocked inside the capsule.

Some medications can be formulated into flavored liquids with tuna or chicken flavors. Ask your vet ig this med could be made up in one of these flavors.

Yes, you can always ask for a prescription or buy your medication online. Online pharmacies, like 1800PetMeds, usually fax an approval request to your veterinarian. Markups happen because a veterinary clinic is a business that needs to pay their staff, electric, water, and rent, as well as keeping the clinic stocked with all the medically necessary items to help diagnose and treat sick pets, and to maintain equipment. That stuff gets pricey! However, they know that their products are expensive and don't blame clients for looking for less expensive options.