Big pharma just raised the price of my dog's seizure medication 400%

[tridim]

Phenobarbital.. This is a common and extremely OLD drug that has always been relatively inexpensive because it's a life-long medication and it is dirt cheap to make.

I asked the vet why the price went up by 400% and he didn't mince words, he said that big pharma's $100 billion in yearly profits just isn't enough, they want more. I can't stop giving my dog her seizure meds, so I'm stuck, forced to pay their ransom. The vet also said they know this and thus justify the price increase.

He also said Metronidazole went up 400% too (another very common and cheap drug). So if your dog is afraid of thunder, be prepared to pay for it. Big pharma thanks you for letting them steal your money.

[classof56]

1. Disgusting.

Thanks for the heads up. Pretty sure similar increases are on the way if not already here for the meds we humans require to survive.

Curses on Big Pharma. Can't wish anything bad enough as their fate.

Tired Old Cynic

[sasha031]

2. can your vet prescribe a generic?

Not familiar with antiseizure medication for pets. it can be tricky if that is what you are trying to prevent. your dog would have to be weaned off one for the other. If this is an option..

[kestrel91316]

6. LOL, that IS the generic. It's been off patent for decades.

I am just waiting for them to do the same thing to our prednisolone, the drug I use in cats almost more than any other, and a critical one for so many diseases in cats.

[tridim]

7. I'm pretty sure phenobarb is all generic.

I wish I could wean her off of it, but as far as I know it's the only epilepsy medication available for dogs. It does control her seizures fairly well. I also give her potassium bromide.

I'll probably shop around when it's time for a refil. The big issue is that it's a controlled substance.

[FLPanhandle]

3. Places like Puerto Rico and Ireland are now starting to tax pharma companies

Expect to see price raising across the board to make up for losing tax havens.

[RebelOne]

4. Do you have pet insurance? It usually covers the most of the cost of meds. n/t

[tridim]

8. I wish I did. She has a preexisting condition now so I can't get it.

[kestrel91316]

5. Yeah, that spike in metronidazole really ticked me off. I used to

be able to justify buying a large bottle of it for my in-house pharmacy and could pass the cost savings on to clients. Even if some of it went unused by the expiration date it still was a good deal.

Not so anymore. I only buy it in the smaller bottle - the big one is WAY too pricey. It was a real WTF moment when I got quoted for it the last time I ordered it.

Generic. DECADES out of patent. And now as pricey as if it were a new drug.

[QED]

9. My vet said she's having trouble getting a lot of meds

that there are either issues with manufacture or, as she said, some kind of new regulatory or screening thing going on.

I took one of my dogs to the vet yesterday - two days of the runs. She gave me the last bottle of the super duper diarrhea meds she had. (We had to resort to the meds because bland diet and immodium didn't work. This did - after two doses I fear he's gone the other way. My poor baby.)

[FSogol]

10. Plan yourself a Canadian vacation and stock up. n/t

[okasha]

11. Have you checked to see if you can get it online from Canada?

I use North Drug Store for my own meds, I get Revolution and Frontline other websites. Prices are phenomenally lower.

[tridim]

12. It's a controlled substance. I don't really want to go to prison because of dog meds.

[sharp_stick]

13. Phenobarbital has been generic

for decades. I don't think that any major pharma company is making it anymore?

Metronidazole has also been generic for years, Teva, Watson, Sandoz and Par all make it.

Personally I'd check with another vet and see what they'll charge you. At the very least find out what manufacturer the vet is referring too, there are several that make the stuff around the world and you can get a vet prescription filled at any pharmacy.

[tridim]

16. I will, thanks.

I'll be raising a big stink if they lied to me.

[Ian David]

14. Ask your veterinarian about Potassium Bromide. It's dirt cheap.

When I had a dog that needed it, the veterinarian had to formulate in liquid suspension by hand.

Now, you can get it online.

http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/potassium_bromide.htm

http://www.1800petmeds.com/K+BroVet+Potassium+Bromide-prod11164.html

http://www.wedgewoodpetrx.com/learning-center/professional-monographs/potassium-bromide-for-veterinary-use.html

[tridim]

15. She is also on KBr, it's about 25% cheaper at 1800petmeds.

I'll definitely be shopping around now.

[snooper2]

17. They have a pill for dogs who freak out at thunder?

really?

:rofl:

[tridim]

19. Yea, it's just doggie xanax.

Lots of dogs have that issue, mine doesn't because I worked on her storm anxiety early on with positive reinforcement.

[snooper2]

21. Wouldn't a cold Miller Light be cheaper?

What do you do, oh, storm coming. Hey pooch, take your pill?

[Dreamer Tatum]

18. Is 400% like $1 to $5, or $100 to $500? nt

[tridim]

20. $10 to $45

For about a two month supply.

Maybe that doesn't seem like much, but multiply it by 15 years and it's very significant.