Metacam for elderly cat

seven-day-weekend

My 19-year-old cat has been prescribed Metacam. The last lot cost £26 for 15 ML. This should last around a month.

I've looked online and it says it is prescription only so by the time I have paid for the prescription from the vet it probably won't be any cheaper.

Anyone know how I can keep the cost down?

ElusiveLucy

You may find that the dose reduces after a period of time. Mine is now on alternate days as there were some signs of kidney problems (she's 15). I get some of my costs covered by Petplan but not a massive amount after I have paid the annual excess and 25% of the costs thereafter. It is worth noting it comes in a bigger bottle (30ml?) which may work out slightly cheaper and this may work out cheaper buying online with a prescription from the vet. Plus mine has to have blood tests every 6 months to check the kidney function, which also adds to the cost.

jfdi

I asked this at my vets the other week as we have just started down this road with one of our cats. The receptionist said the vet can prescribe up to 3 months at a time, and the prescription only would be £18 here. This works out a lot cheaper for us.

I think you need to find out how it would be prescribed and then check online costs.

LusciousLuce

You could also ask your vet to provide a written prescription for the cheaper version, e.g. Loxicom. It's the same drug as Metacam (meloxicam).

Kathy535

We get six months supply and that works out a lot cheaper.

The vet did prescribe the generic version but the online pharmacy (petsdrugsonline) wouldn!!!8217;t accept it.

seven-day-weekend

Thanks all for your advice. I will try to get the vet to prescribe a larger amount and/or generic version. Thanks!

sheramber

If your cat has just started to get it then the vet will want to ensure there are no problems arising form it. He may then prescribe for a longer time.

Bykerlass

I was recently quoted £67 for 100mls of Metacam from my vets !!!55357;!!!56883;!!!55357;!!!56883; I requested a written prescription at a cost of £8.50 then ordered it online via
https://www.petdrugsonline.co.uk/prescriptions/m/metacam-oral-suspension-for-dogs
It arrived the following day. No contest.

juliebunny

OMG What a massive difference in price! I'm getting royally fed up with the mark up vets are putting on meds, it's nothing short of extortion, I paid over £40 for metacam recently, and double the online price for a probiotic as my cat was desperately ill, it's like they have you over a barrel, but no more! I shall ask for a prescription and if they get narky they can lump it. The meloxican isn't much better either (I believe it's exactly the same).
Note that your link is for dog metacam, the cat one is £16. Crucial to order the right one, or you could kill the cat, but hopefully the pharmacy would check that.

Shoshannah

Veterinary practices buy Metacam from their wholesalers for more than the online pharmacies sell them.

So even without any mark-up at all they still couldn't beat the pharmacy prices.

sheramber

Your vet has to train for man years to have the expertise to diagnose and prescribe for your animal. H e has to maintain that knowledge at his own expense. He has to pay fpr premises, staff, equipment that need to be maintained and replaced regularly.

How do you think he pays for all that

He can only buy from specific suppliers and cannot buy bulk buy as the medicine has to stay in date while he stores it. Just as your corner shop cannot sell at prices the supermarket does he cannot sell at the prices a large online warehouse with none of the the vets practice expenses can do.

Remember, you want your vet available when you need him. Who pays to keep him there?