The best cheap pet meds are generic brands – they’re approved by the FDA, safe, and just as effective as their expensive brand name alternatives. Given that, why would anyone want to still pay extra for your pet drugs?

Read on to learn about different generic pet drug options and how you can save a lot of money by buying alternative brands.

Ivermectin

Among cheap pet meds is Ivermectin, the active drug found in Heartgard – a popular heartworm prevention medication. It is administered monthly either year-round or during mosquito season, the peak period when the disease can be transmitted.

Ivermectin is available as a generic drug and is considered to be a general anti-parasite. Generic versions that are most often sold include ValueHeart, TriHeart, Generic Ivermectin and IverHeart.

Clyndamycin

Clyndamycin is an antibiotic used in both humans and animals to treat skin infections and diseases like toxoplasmosis, a particularly dangerous condition for pregnant women. The brand name version of the drug is called Cleocin.

Hydroxyzine

Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine, so it’s used for inflammations – usually those caused by severe skin allergies or allergic reactions to bug or animal bites. The brand name version of the drug is called Atarax.

Selegiline

Selegiline is a drug used to treat a neural condition known as canine cognitive dysfunction system, basically any of the mental symptoms associated with old age. So, reduced coordination or confusion would be within scope here. The brand name version of the drug is called Anipryl.

Enalapril

Enalapril is a drug used to treat heart conditions and outright heart failure. The medication helps the heart pump at a consistent rate and allows for increased blood flow. The brand name version of the drug is Enacard.

Are Generic Medications Actually Cheaper?

Yes, generic pet medications are typically 40 to 50 percent cheaper than their brand name alternatives and sometimes by as much as 70 or 80 percent. Because there are multiple manufacturers for many generic drugs, you may also find even cheaper prices thanks to competitive pricing.

Where Can I Purchase Generic Pet Medications?

In most states, you can ask for a generic version of a drug unless your veterinarian has specifically stated that the prescription is for the brand name only and there are to be no substitutions by the issuing pharmacy. If you’re worried, ask your veterinarian to simply prescribe the generic version of the drug.

Of course, the rules surrounding pet medications vary from state to state. Some require the pharmacy to automatically issue the generic drug unless indicated otherwise. Meanwhile, a few states demand that authorization be obtained from the doctor or veterinarian before a generic alternative can be sold.

Are Generic Pet Medications as Safe as Brand Name Options?

Buying cheap pet meds doesn’t mean you’re coming home with low-quality pet meds. Every prescribed drug in the United States, whether for people or animals, must be approved by the FDA and held to a high standard of quality. To make sure you’re getting quality, generic medications, always buy from an approved pet pharmacy based in the U.S.