With
the ability to buy so much online now we have more choice than ever when it
comes to our pets medications. From simple flea meds like Frontline to heartworm
medications like Heartgard, all are now available to purchase from the comfort
of our own homes.
What
we are also seeing a lot more of are generic options for
popular medications. But owners have concerns about the safety of these
products, and wonder if they are quite as effective as the real thing. Let's
uncover the truth.
The Truth About Generics
According to the Free Dictionary a generic is: any
product, as a food, drug, or cosmetic, that can be sold without a brand name.
What this means for us is that a
generic is simply a medication that is available from more than one company and
not only from a brand name we recognize. Let's take Heartgard for example. The
active ingredient is Ivermectin, it stops heartworm disease. As Merial brought this product to the market
they held the rights to supply this medication for a number of years. But once
those rights ran out then other companies were then allowed to also supply a
heartworm medication with the exact same active ingredients but under different
names. It led to plenty of cheap options that would work the same but are under
different names.
Safety Concerns
There is absolutely no need to be
concerned about whether or not these products are safe, as long as you buy from
reputable companies. If you have doubts about a company selling medications
then you should always check up on them. But plenty of very large businesses
now sell generic options as they are more affordable for pet owners.
These generics will work in the same
way as the brand names we know, and may have cheaper packaging to keep costs
down, but they are exactly the same product if we get down to the active
ingredients.
From Valuheart for heartworm disease,
to BioSpot for flea control, these options are known as generics but will give
exactly the same protection as slightly more expensive brand names we may know.
If in Doubt
However, if you have any concerns
about buying a generic, or simply feel more comfortable buying a brand you are
aware of, then always go for what you feel is best. You want to keep your pet
protected and safe, and if you feel this is best achieved by buying a brand
name medication then you should always go with this. The main priority is to
always keep your pet safe and cared for.
Check the differences in prices
between different options and weigh up the pros and cons of each option. But do
not discount generic options as they will work just as well as more well known
brands.
Karen is the owner of
Tatochip, where she works alongside Tato the Kool Cat and Chip the Wonder Dog.
They uncover the best prices for all manner of pets meds, as
well as providing the information you need to know before you buy.
