wizard1 Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 With the Fortekor, Vetmedin and Flusapex, I was paying out a whopping $168.28 a fortnight to keep my Dobe alive, and that is with a so-called discount from my vet. I recently discovered an overseas site where I get the Vetmedin and Flusapex at a vastly reduced price, and have got the costs down to $80.36 a fortnight which is still a big drain on my meagre income. Hoever, I am still paying $3.72 per Fortekor tablet. Does anyone know of a cheaper price? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poodle wrangler Posted June 19, 2007 Share Posted June 19, 2007 (edited) Found out what these do: 1. Fortekor: ACE inhibitor 2. Vetmedin: Calcium channel blocker 3. Flusaplex (Frusemide): Diuretic They all work together to manage the heart failure. Humans use a similar mix with very good results- you can see the enlarged heart size shrink if you look at before treatment vs.after treatment (for weeks) Xrays. Can you talk to your vet and ask if there are any cheaper, generic brands that you can substitute for brand names? Flusaplex is a common, inexpensive medication used for people = Frusemide (brand name: Lasix). Can the Vetmedin be substituted for a "beta blocker" (older drug, cheaper, does similar job)? Our local vet is will sometimes suggest substitute human medications, if appropriate. This gets complicated, though, unless you work in a hospital or are a GP with lots of samples. Edited June 19, 2007 by Poodle wrangler Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard1 Posted June 19, 2007 Author Share Posted June 19, 2007 Found out what these do:1. Fortekor: ACE inhibitor 2. Vetmedin: Calcium channel blocker 3. Flusaplex (Frusemide): Diuretic They all work together to manage the heart failure. Humans use a similar mix with very good results- you can see the enlarged heart size shrink if you look at before treatment vs.after treatment (for weeks) Xrays. Can you talk to your vet and ask if there are any cheaper, generic brands that you can substitute for brand names? Flusaplex is a common, inexpensive medication used for people = Frusemide (brand name: Lasix). Can the Vetmedin be substituted for a "beta blocker" (older drug, cheaper, does similar job)? Our local vet is will sometimes suggest substitute human medications, if appropriate. This gets complicated, though, unless you work in a hospital or are a GP with lots of samples. Thanks Poodle wrangler. Merlin is my 3rd male Dobe diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, so unfortunately I have had way too much experience with this disease and with all the various medications and what they do. The cost of the Vetmedin and Flusapex from overseas is very cheap compared to my vet, so I don't need to look at generics for those two, just looking for a Fortekor substitute. My vet was charging $1.10 per tab Flusapex and $1.44 for Vetmedin. Overseas the Flusapex is 0.14 cents and the Vetmedin 0.89 cents per tabs which is a massive difference. The other 2 Dobes did not live beyond a month or so after diagnosis, so the Vetmedin is a God-send now, as Merlin is still going 4 months later. He is getting a bit thin, but still has a good appetite and normal energy levels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Posted June 19, 2007 Share Posted June 19, 2007 Wizard1 Do you mind me asking what your dog is fed? Do you have any info re his Mum? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~Archie~ Posted June 19, 2007 Share Posted June 19, 2007 Why dont you have a chat to your vet and see if they can do a discounted cost per bottle not per tablet! And ask if they are charging a dispensing fee. Unfortunately heart meds arent cheap, one of our clients was spending $10 a day on Vetmedin, Frusemide, Fortekor, Lanoxin.... I can tell you that Vetmedin isnt that cheap for the vet to buy, neither is the 20mg Fortekor. Are you buying the 14 tablets in the Fortekor or are you buying the 28 pack? Are you able to get prescription medications in from overseas without a script? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard1 Posted June 19, 2007 Author Share Posted June 19, 2007 Why dont you have a chat to your vet and see if they can do a discounted cost per bottle not per tablet! And ask if they are charging a dispensing fee.Unfortunately heart meds arent cheap, one of our clients was spending $10 a day on Vetmedin, Frusemide, Fortekor, Lanoxin.... I can tell you that Vetmedin isnt that cheap for the vet to buy, neither is the 20mg Fortekor. Are you buying the 14 tablets in the Fortekor or are you buying the 28 pack? Are you able to get prescription medications in from overseas without a script? Bostongirl, Definitely heart meds are not cheap. If I was still buying the 3 meds from my vet it was $12.02 a day. Regardless of whether I buy 14 or 28 Fortekor from my vet it makes no difference to the cost of each tablet. Yes I am getting the Vetmedin and Flusapex from overseas without a script. Steve Know nothing about Merlin's mother. He was impounded as a stray at Sutherland Shire Pound. I got him from Sutherland Pound 4 years ago when he was about 4 years old - no chip or ear tattoe. Food is usually Biox 1 biscuits for breakfast, dinner is chicken necks, , mince Hills Science Senior dry food and a large spoonful of canned casserole. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheridan Posted June 19, 2007 Share Posted June 19, 2007 Dogs and cats in renal failure are also put on Fortekor. My last dog was on it briefly. It helps with blood pressure. A friend whose dog has the same kidney problem pays $74.95 for 5mg x 28 tabs, so it's pretty expensive and she's not found it anywhere locally that is cheaper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard1 Posted June 20, 2007 Author Share Posted June 20, 2007 (edited) Dogs and cats in renal failure are also put on Fortekor. My last dog was on it briefly. It helps with blood pressure. A friend whose dog has the same kidney problem pays $74.95 for 5mg x 28 tabs, so it's pretty expensive and she's not found it anywhere locally that is cheaper. That is a lot cheaper than the $104 I am currently paying for 28 x 5 mg tabs. Edited June 20, 2007 by wizard1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
animalsluvbree Posted June 21, 2007 Share Posted June 21, 2007 you poor thing, cardiomyopathy is draining... im sure the clinic i work at charges less for the 28 packet of fortekor (dont quote me but i will have a look on sunday when i am there)... but in pretty sure its alot less than $104 per packet. have a google search for a vet called Richard Malik.. he is a feline specialist but a very smart man and has been in the business for a very very long time and may be able to point you in the right direction with meds and alternatives, cheaper vets etc... good luck... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staff'n'Toller Posted June 21, 2007 Share Posted June 21, 2007 Yes I am getting the Vetmedin and Flusapex from overseas without a script. You shouldn't be able to, they are both Scheduled drugs, you'll get stung eventually. Mel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheridan Posted June 23, 2007 Share Posted June 23, 2007 Dogs and cats in renal failure are also put on Fortekor. My last dog was on it briefly. It helps with blood pressure. A friend whose dog has the same kidney problem pays $74.95 for 5mg x 28 tabs, so it's pretty expensive and she's not found it anywhere locally that is cheaper. That is a lot cheaper than the $104 I am currently paying for 28 x 5 mg tabs. I think she goes to the North Willoughby Veterinary Clinic. Sounds like you're being way over charged. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hathor Posted June 23, 2007 Share Posted June 23, 2007 Unfortunately these drugs are quite expensive. See if your vet knows of any generic tablets, or alternatives. It's hard, because not medicating is not an option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brubas Posted April 20, 2008 Share Posted April 20, 2008 (edited) With the Fortekor, Vetmedin and Flusapex, I was paying out a whopping $168.28 a fortnight to keep my Dobe alive, and that is with a so-called discount from my vet. I recently discovered an overseas site where I get the Vetmedin and Flusapex at a vastly reduced price, and have got the costs down to $80.36 a fortnight which is still a big drain on my meagre income. Hoever, I am still paying $3.72 per Fortekor tablet. Does anyone know of a cheaper price? I know your message was posted a few months ago now, but my dog developed a heart problem in Sept 07 and he is taking the same medications you listed in your message. I am on a fixed income and can't keep up with the cost much longer so I am trying to find an alternate supply. The vet doesn't give discounts on the meds. You also said you were able to get it from overseas at a much reduced cost. Is this still available? Edited April 20, 2008 by brubas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsfevr Posted April 20, 2008 Share Posted April 20, 2008 (edited) I agree i would be worried buying those meds from overseas without prescription.All the sites i have googled require script or vet OK. I think i would be checking with the right authorities Brubas google vetmedin & then suppliers.There are plenty of sites that sell the product But you need to meet guidelines for selling. Edited April 20, 2008 by settrlvr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schnauzer Posted April 20, 2008 Share Posted April 20, 2008 Hi Wizard 1, My schnauzer has renal failure and is also on 1x 5mg a day. I pay $72.40 for 28 tablets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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