Are Generic Medications Safe for my Dog or Cat?

Know The Facts About Generic Medications

Have you ever questioned whether generic medications are really as good as the name brand medications? Or why there is a cost saving? Generic medications work the same way as brand-name medications do, and they are proven to have the same safety as the brand names. They contain the same active ingredient and are made to be used in the same exact way. The FDA strictly requires that all generics have the same dosage, effectiveness, strength, stability, and quality while in comparison to their brand name counterparts. As a result, generics also carry the same side effects, risks, and benefits as the brand name. The FDA regulates generic medications for both humans and animals, learn more on their website.

Generic drugs and brand name drugs have the same

  • Active Ingredient
  • Strength
  • Dosage Form (tablet, liquid, powder, etc)
  • Route of administration (oral, topical, etc)
  • Indications for use
  • Stability
  • Purity
  • Manufacturer Requirements
  • Safety

Generics may include different inactive ingredients such as preservatives or fillers. The FDA also ensures the inactive ingredients of the generic medicine are acceptable. Because trademark laws prevent generic drugs from looking just like the brand name drug, the color and size may be different.

Why are generics cheaper?

Manufacturers of generic drugs do not have to repeat the costly laboratory and clinical trials that the brand name company invested in to gain the first FDA approval. This allows them to produce and sell the medication at a lower cost. When several companies begin to make the same medication, the competition helps keep the price down.

Manufacturing & Monitoring

Both brand name and generic drugs are manufactured with the same strict and high-quality standards by the FDA. The drugs must both be formulated to contain the same active ingredient in the same amounts. All ingredients, both active and inactive, must meet stringent quality standards.

After a generic drug is approved by the FDA, the quality and monitoring process continues. This includes ongoing tests for stability and reporting of side effects.

What medication is right for my pet?

When it comes to your dog or cat, you should always talk with your veterinarian first about medication options. You and your veterinarian should discuss the safety and efficacy of a drug before giving it to your pet. Also, visit the FDA website for information on generic medications.

VetRxDirect offers a large variety of generic and brand name medications. We listed some of the most popular below. Find more on our website.

Carprofen                               Triheart Plus                          Enrofloxacin

Generic Rimadyl Carprofen at VetRXDirectTri-Heart Plus at VetRxDirectGeneric Bayril Enrofloxacin at VetRxDirect

 

Furosemide                       Amoxicillin Clavulanate             Clindamycin

Generic Disal Furosemide at VetRxDirectGeneric Clavamox at VetRXDirectClindamycin at VetRxDirect

 

Is Generic Carprofen Safe For My Dog?

Today there are many prescription generic carprofen brands available for the relief of pain and inflammation in dogs, including arthritis and hip dysplasia. You have probably heard of the brand name Rimadyl®, but what about generics? You may have wondered if they are safe for your dog, or if they will work as well.

Brand Name or Generic?

Generic Brands Same Quality and Performance

Generic medications work the same way as brand-name medications do, and they are proven to have the same safety as the brand names. They also contain the same active ingredient and are made to be used in the same exact way. The FDA strictly requires that all generics have the same dosage, safety, effectiveness, strength, stability, and quality while in comparison to their brand name counterparts. As a result, generics also carry the same side effects, risks, and benefits. The FDA regulates generic medications for both humans and animals, learn more on their website.

Carprofen, the active ingredient in Rimadyl®, comes in generic medications that are FDA approved for dogs. Just like the brand name, generic carprofen meets the same FDA requirements and is also made in licensed facilities inspected by the FDA. The only difference is the cost. Carprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug that treats pain, swelling, and discomfort caused by arthritis, surgery, and joint problems. Generics treat the same problems while also offering a lower cost option. Likewise generic carprofen comes in flavored chewable tablets and soft chews.

Ask your dog’s veterinarian today if generic carprofen is the right pain management medicine for your dog. Because carprofen requires a prescription, it is important to discuss this option with your dog’s veterinarian. Then visit VetRxDirect to find a wide selection of carprofen generic medication and cost savings for you.

Generic Carprofen Medications Equivalent to Rimadyl®

Generic Carprofen Available at VetRxDirect

Have you given your dog generic carprofen or any other generic drug? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a reply below.

Quellin: A More Convenient Carprofen

Quellin Carprofen Soft Chews for Dogs Now Available

Quellin is now available at VetRxDirect Pet Pharmacy

The FDA has recently approved Quellin, a medication containing Carprofen, in a soft chew formulation. This new formulation makes giving your dog’s anti-inflammatory much more convenient because you can simply offer it like a treat. Quellin is meat flavored, a savory taste most dogs love. This eliminates the need to mask your dog’s medication or hide it in their food. It also can help you feel more confident your dog is getting their full dose, as long as they eat the whole soft chew!

Quellin is the Newest Carprofen Dog Medication

Quellin’s active ingredient, Carprofen, is the same active ingredient as Rimadyl, Norocarp, Vetprofen, Novox, Carprieve, and Putney’s Carprofen. The difference with Quellin is the more convenient soft chew formulation. Quellin carries the same risks, side effects, and efficacy as the other carprofen agents: To learn more please read my other article, Important Information on NSAIDS for Pets.

We Ask for Your Help.

After you dog has used Quellin, please leave a comment here and leave a product review on Quellin’s VetRxDriect product page. We want to help share your experiences with all pet parents. Thank you.

Important Information on NSAIDs for Pets

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs, are one of the most frequently prescribed pain relievers from veterinarians. With this high frequency of prescribing comes a proportional amount of side effects. This article aims to educate the public about the safe use of NSAIDs in pets: when they’re appropriate, when to avoid using them, and how to watch for dangerous side effects.

What are NSAIDs for pets indicated for and what benefits do they provide:

NSAIDs aren’t commonly used in cats because they cannot clear the drugs from their body very well. They should be avoided, especially in long term use, in cats for this reason. NSAIDs are indicated for two reasons in dogs: osteoarthritis and for pain relief after an operation. They can be used off label for many other reasons including an injury or pain when a veterinarian thinks they would be beneficial. They can benefit dogs by decreasing their pain and improving their quality of life. Let’s face it; no one wants to see their companion in pain and these drugs are proven to help reduce it.

How do NSAIDs for pets decrease inflammation:

All of the NSAIDs inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX enzymes). There are two major COX enzymes and are labeled COX-1 and COX-2. Both of the enzymes are involved in the pathways of inflammation, fever, blood clotting, and pain. However, COX-2 is found in inflamed cells only, and COX-1 is found all throughout the body, including the stomach. By inhibiting these enzymes, NSAIDs decrease the effects that the enzyme would normally have on the body. This will decrease the pain and inflammation associated with certain conditions such as osteoarthritis. Below is a table of all the NSAIDs that are available through VetRxDirect.

Drug

Active Ingredient

Dosage Form

Generic or Brand Name?

VetRxDirect Unit Price

Extra Notes About the Product

Rimadyl Carprofen Caplets or Chewable Tablets Brand Name $0.79-$1.40 Only Chewable Carprofen Product
Norocarp/Carprieve Carprofen Caplets Brand Name $0.47-$0.82
Vetprofen Carprofen Caplets Brand Name $0.49-$0.82 Can Get 240 Count Bottles
Novox Carprofen Caplets Brand Name $0.55-$0.97
Carprofen (Putney) Carprofen Caplets Generic $0.49-$0.78 Only Generic Carprofen Product
Metacam Meloxicam Oral Suspension (liquid) Brand Name $1.57-$2.50 Only Commercial Oral Liquid NSAD For Dogs
Meloxicam Meloxicam Tablets Generic $0.34-$0.69 Only Human Tablets Are Available
Piroxicam Piroxicam Capsules Generic $1.09-$2.69 VetRxDirect Compounds Suspensions And Multiple Doses That Aren’t Commercially Available
Etogesic Etodolac Tablets Brand Name $1.57-$1.95
Etodolac Etodolac Capsules Generic $1.89-$1.56 The Only Generic Is the Human Capsules

Deramaxx

Deracoxib Chewable Tablets Brand Name $1.59-$3.53 COX-2 Selective. No Generic Available
Previcox Firocoxib Chewable Tablets Brand Name $1.48-$3.75 COX-2 Selective. No Generic Available
Onsior (robenacoxib) for CatsOnsior Robenacoxib Tablets Brand Name $3.33 For Use In Cats Only For Upto Three Days.

*The price is listed as per tablet, caplet, chewable tablet, or capsule. It is listed as per mL for the suspensions. Prices between suspension and tablets of the same product are only comparable when accounting for dose. Prices are subject to change and ultimately depend on the dosage form, strength and quantity ordered.

Sometimes old dogs need NSAIDs for Pets.

Courtesy of Roman Boed/Flickr

What is the difference between all the NSAIDs for pets?

The majority of the NSAIDs inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2, but there are a few that only inhibit COX-2. In humans, this selectivity for COX-2 helps prevent some side effects, mainly the risk for stomach bleeding. The two COX-2 selective products that we carry for dogs only have no evidence that shows a decreased risk of the severe side effects. There is also one COX-2 selective NSAID that is indicated for cats only, called Onsior. The NSAIDs carried by VetRxDirect that are sometimes used in cats are carprofen, meloxicam, and piroxicam. NSAID medications should always be used with extreme caution and for very short periods of time in cats.

There are multiple carprofen products available, and their prices can vary. The only one that isn’t comparable to the generic is the Rimadyl Chewable, as there is no chewable generic carprofen available at this time. When picking a product to buy, the generic is an acceptable choice because it will contain the same active ingredient as the brand name product, but will cost less. The liquid formulations of the products may be easier for you to give your pet, but they carry a larger price tag. Some of the NSAIDs work better for certain diseases and have varying side effect profiles. Your veterinarian will know which active ingredient is appropriate for your pet, when choosing between the different products.

What are the risks associated with NSAIDs for pets?

The more frequently reported side effects of NSAIDs include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and decreased appetite. The use of NSAIDs carry a risk for stomach bleeding, ulcers, perforations (holes), kidney damage, and liver damage. The main problem with NSAID use is the population that they are targeted towards usually has an increased risk for experiencing these side effects from them. If used at the lowest effective doses for short periods of time, they have relatively low risk of these side effects. However, when they are used for osteoarthritis, they are often used for long periods of time which increases the risk of serious side effects. Pets with osteoarthritis are also often older in age, and using an NSAID in elderly animals can increase their risk for serious side effects. When dogs and cats are dehydrated they have an increased risk for kidney damage when using an NSAID.

How to use an NSAID for pets safely in dogs and cats:

Using an NSAID safely in your pet requires a good relationship with your veterinarian. You know your animal best and can tell if they have had any recent changes in health. Things that you need to watch for when your pet takes an NSAID are black tarry stools, dark urine, bloody vomit, and depression. If your pet has any of those symptoms, you need to call your vet right away. Giving an NSAID with their meal can help reduce the risk for stomach upset and irritation.You should also make sure they are well hydrated because of the risk for kidney damage. Educating yourself about your pet’s NSAID medication can reduce the life threatening risk that they carry and help keep them healthy!

Has your pet taken a NSAID before? Which one did your veterinarian prescribe and did your pet experience any side effects?

Please ask any remaining questions in the ‘Leave a Reply’ section of this post, or on the product’s ‘Question and Answer’ tab.

References:

  • United States. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine. Canine NSAIDs- What Dog Owners Should Know. By Carmela Stamper. FDA, n.d. Web. 15 Apr. 2014.
  • Plumb, D. Etodolac. Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook 7th ed. Pharma Vet Inc. Stockholm, WI. 2011.