What’s the Buzz

Having a pet can be expensive—supplies, food, vet bills, vaccinations, and pet medications can be costly. Many pet owners are unaware that they can also use their BuzzRx free Prescription Discount Card to save on pet prescriptions that can be filled at a “human pharmacy,” such as Walgreens or CVS. For the card to work, the medication must be one that is prescribed for both pets and humans. It will not be accepted at a “pet pharmacy” through your veterinarian. Here are some of our top pet medication savings that you can get using our card.

1. Fluconazole (Brand name: Diflucan^®)

Fluconazole is an antifungal medicine that is used to treat various fungal infections, including yeast infections and skin infections. Fluconazole is effective against more severe fungal infections of the lungs and other organs that can occur after your pet inhales fungus from infected soil, such as Blastomycosis and Histoplasmosis. Fluconazole is available as an oral tablet or suspension.

Veterinarians choose fluconazole over other antifungal medications to treat fungal infections of the central nervous system because this drug can cross the blood-brain barrier. This mechanism allows the medication to travel to the intended target more effectively. Fluconazole is also indicated for the treatment of ringworm, however, vets often reserve this drug for infections that are more intense, such as the conditions mentioned above. 

Give fluconazole exactly as it was prescribed by your veterinarian.

2. Fluoxetine (Brand names: Prozac^®, Reconcile^®, Sarafem^®)

Fluoxetine belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs are antidepressants that are indicated to treat a variety of behavioral disorders in dogs and cats. According to the Veterinary Centers of America, fluoxetine is the FDA-approved treatment for canine separation anxiety. This medication may be more commonly prescribed for dogs around the Fourth of July due to anxiety and agitation caused by loud fireworks.

3. Mirtazapine (Brand name: Remeron^®)

Mirtazapine is a tricyclic antidepressant that is prescribed for cats by veterinarians to treat a wide range of conditions including behavioral problems, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. If your pet takes this prescription, it’s important to monitor them for signs of serotonin syndrome, which include agitation, restlessness, vocalization, confusion, seizures, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation^[3].  

4. Hydroxyzine (Brand names: Atarax^®, Vistaril^®, Masmoran^®, Multipax^®)

Another common pet medication is hydroxyzine, which is an antihistamine used to treat allergic and itchy conditions such as dermatitis and insect or snake bites. Its use in cats, dogs, ferrets, horses, and birds to reduce inflammation and treat itchiness is considered “'off label”' or “'extra-label.” It can also act as a sedative since one of the side effects is drowsiness. 

5. Doxycycline (Brand names: Vibramycin^®, Oracea^®, Monodox^®, Periostat^®, Doryx^®, Acticlate^®)

Doxycycline is an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections. It is not effective against viral or fungal infections. Your vet might prescribe doxycycline to treat a present infection, or as precaution against a secondary bacterial infection, as is often the case with viral infections like canine parvovirus that can leave dogs vulnerable to secondary bacterial infections. 

Your veterinarian might prescribe doxycycline if your dog is suffering from:

• Respiratory infection
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Heartworm disease
• Infected wounds
• Lyme disease

As with any medication, your pet should be monitored for signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, hives, or facial swelling. Pets with a history or concern of blood disease should have blood work monitored regularly.

It is also crucial to note that the appropriate dosage for each individual pet’s medications is determined based on several factors, including but not limited to weight, pre-existing health conditions, and concurrent treatment plans. For the pet’s safety and best treatment, always consult with your vet prior to initiating any treatment for your pet.  

With the BuzzRx prescription discount card, you can save on your pet meds while making a difference. Since 2016, we’ve donated over $500,000 to the ASPCA^®*, equating to approximately 1,000,000 meals for shelter cats and dogs awaiting adoption. Every time you save using our Prescription Discount Card benefitting the ASPCA, BuzzRx donates $1 and you help save vulnerable animals.

References:

1. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/fluoxetine#:~:text=Fluoxetine%20(brand%20names%3A%20Prozac%C2%AE,labeled%20to%20treat%20separation%20anxiety.
2. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/mirtazapine#:~:text=Mirtazapine%20(brand%20name%3A%20Remeron),used%20to%20treat%20behavioral%20problems..
3. https://www.iowaveterinaryspecialties.com/student-scholars/serotonin-syndrome 

*The ASPCA^® does not endorse any of the medications in this article. Consult with a veterinarian prior to giving your pet any prescription medications. Only licensed veterinarians can diagnose medical conditions. If you think that your pet is sick, injured, or experiencing any kind of physical distress, please contact its veterinarian immediately.