Does anyone use non-prescription meds for their cat(s)?

First of all, I really do appreciate that the best course of action for cat health problems is to go to the vet. But let's say you go to the vet and s/he says that the problem is ear mites, and gives you a prescription. You subsequently see a product on-line with virtually the same ingredients for a fraction of the cost. Would you give it a try? What about other prescriptions such as artificial tears eye drops.? Again, similar product available on-line for significantly less than the prescription version. Would you chance it?

PS: No, I haven't tried this yet.

I use garlic oil from human garlic capsules along with olive oil to get rid of ear mites.  And I use my judgement with other medicines, for example, I had some mirtazapine left over from a bout of depression, my mum's cat was prescribed it to encourage appetite, so she used mine.  Same goes for chlorphenamine, which is an antihistamine used for both humans and cats.  I wouldn't use a cheaper medicine that simply sounded like a vet prescribed one however, as looking like and being like are two different things.  Why, do you have any particular medicines in mind? 

Thanks for the feedback. One was Vetericyn Plus Ophthalmic Gel, to be used for eye allergy symptoms. The other was Zymox LP3 Enzyme Solution for ear mites.

Yeah, I'd use a cheaper brand for both of those if they had the exact same ingredients, listed in the same order.  I'd also use cheap, generic equivalent % hydrocortisone cream found in any chemist/drugstore, for an indicated skin complaint, instead of an expensive vet brand.  But use hydrocortisone sparingly as it thins the skin.  Drugs' companies are all bandits.  

Garlic and olive/vegetable oil are great for mites though......... 

Thanks again Brian. How do you use the garlic treatment? Is that a pill, or something put in the ear with a Qtip or whatever?

I should point out that garlic is toxic to cats if they eat it.  But is ok to squirt far down in their ears, as long as they can't get at it with their paws, or someone else comes along to help with washing.  You can get capsules that people take once a day as a health supplement, they're quite common and found amongst the vitamins in supermarkets or such like.  Garlic is very good for the immune system and people take it to prevent colds and general good health stuff  Just prick a pin/needle into the capsule and squirt it in the ear, it's very thick so it won't splash you, and massage.  Start by squirting some olive or vegetable oil in with a pipette and massage in by folding the ear so that it's against the head and is closed, then gently massage in a circular motion.  Then get some paper towels and gently clean the inside of the ear out, lots of brown mitey yuck will come out.   Squirt your garlic in and bob's your uncle, or so we say in the UK.  It's a two person job and wear an apron.  I'm not sure I'm allowed to give this kind of advice on this site though, so please do your own research on it also.  

Thanks again Brian. Since I don't have anyone to assist with the garlic treatment you describe it would probably be too cumbersome for me. Do appreciate the feedback though.

PS: Lived in Henley-on-Thames many years ago. Always have fond memories.

My vet is really helpful about trying to lessen the cost of prescription drugs. She has in the past written us a script which we filled at the pharmacy instead of having us buy it from her. She knows that it's cheaper that way as she just doesn't have the buying power, and she would rather her clients actually use this medication and help their pets.

Thanks Pushylady.. Unfortunately, I tried that with my vet and, to my surprise, she got all snippy. She's a nice lady and a good vet, but I had obviously hit some hot-button. I didn't press it, and will probably try another vet.