Metacam online 1/3 of the price, but how would it work?

RealGem

I found some at 365vet.co.uk for less than £20 for 180ml, but paid over £60 inc VAT this morning at my local vet's.

But the 365vet website says "Prescriptions Only" so I can't see my vet's being happy to sign a prescription and let me buy it elsewere?

Or do they not usually mind?

Never bought medication online before.

thanks a lot

krlyr

Vets have to write you a prescription - they can only refuse on medical grounds, i.e. they don't think the medication is suitable for the dog's current condition, but if they were going to issue it to you themselves then they can't really use that argument!

They are, however, allowed to charge a "reasonable" prescription fee. This is not defined by an amount though - you'd have to dispute it with the RCVS if you felt it were unreasonable.

The animal has to be considered under the vets care - this, again, isn't quantified exactly, but basically the pet has to have been seen by the vet for the prescription, or have been to the vet recently enough that the vet is satisfied in good health (so, for example, prescription flea treatment they may be happy if they've seen the pet within the last 6 months, but for painkillers they may want to review the pet's condition and dose every few weeks initially and then increase the duration)

http://www.rcvs.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/code-of-professional-conduct-for-veterinary-surgeons/supporting-guidance/veterinary-medicines/

There are some websites that will sell POM (prescription-only medication) without prescription - these either do it illegally, or skirt around the law by operating outside of the country. The problem with this is that you may be breaking the rules by "importing" POM without a prescription, or you run the risk of getting out-of-date, generic or counterfeit medication, and then you have the difficulty of getting in touch with the company and them not being subject to UK consumer laws.

RealGem

OK thanks a lot Krlyr. The "Prescription Only" notice does reassure me that it's most likely to be kosher. I don't fancy gambling with meds.

As it's an anti infammatory (NSAID) she does have to be seen by a vet regularly to keep getting the medication, so I'll ask them about it next time, thanks.

krlyr

I use Animed Direct for POMs, they've been the cheapest most of the time, so could be worth comparing them too. I like that postage is free no matter the size of your order.
http://www.animeddirect.co.uk/metacam-15mgml-oral-suspension-for-dogs-180ml.html

HappyMJ

RealGem wrote: »

OK thanks a lot Krlyr. The "Prescription Only" notice does reassure me that it's most likely to be kosher. I don't fancy gambling with meds.

As it's an anti infammatory (NSAID) she does have to be seen by a vet regularly to keep getting the medication, so I'll ask them about it next time, thanks.

Make sure you visit the vet a few weeks before the current medication runs out. Might be an idea to ring them tomorrow and just ask what they charge for prescriptions. The charge might be lower than you think. It can also take a while to get medicine delivered. You need to order it then send the prescription to the supplier and they will only despatch the item once they have received the prescription. If the prescription gets lost in the post you'll need to get back to your vet to get another one.

krlyr

Animed allow you to scan and upload the prescription, which I find very haandy. Postage never takes more than a few days

Moosk

365vet.co.uk is owned by Beeston Animal Health in Cheshire - they also own wormers.co.uk, and petfleas.co.uk. I've never ordered prescription stuff from them before, but have ordered flea & worm treatment from them for years. They've always been very good, so would reccomend.

RealGem

Thanks a lot guys!

JennyW_2

One of my previous dogs was on metacam for arthritis so I used to buy off the Internet. I recall the vet charged about £11 for the prescription but they normally only allow one bottle to be bought in a certain period of time. The prescription won't allow you to buy forever. I think mine was valid for 6 months when I ordered an 180ml bottle. This lasted the 6 months by which time I had to get another prescription. It's a bit of a phaff but worth it for the cost savings. Plus it makes sure you're not over-using the stuff

Wellyboots6

My vet actually told me to look online for medication for my previous dog. She knew I was on a tight budget and told me she would write a prescription so I could buy it online a lot cheaper than they sold it for. I can't remember how much they charged for the prescription but in total it was still cheaper than buying from the vet direct.

RichieJ

Definitely worthwhile buying online!
Vets will be very used to writing out prescriptions so that people can buy much cheaper elsewhere.

My vet charged over £60 for the same Metacam that VioVet sell for £20

Check out viovet.co.uk website and click on the red 'prescription medication' button and see how easy it is to email them a photo of your prescription for the Viovet vet to approve.

Use the VioVet vouchercode VRC3DEGHL and get £3 off your first purchase (over £15).:j