September 23, 2009

NassauRx card takes the bite out of many costly meds for your pet

Weitzman reminds consumers that NassauRx Drug Discount card can be used for some pet medications

Nassau County Comptroller Howard Weitzman reminds Nassau County residents that their NassauRx Prescription Discount card can also be used for discounts on some pet prescriptions.

"Many medicines for pets are the same as for humans," Weitzman said. “Pet owners can fill many of their pet’s prescriptions at your local pharmacy and use their NassauRx card to receive a discount. All cardholders, whether human or animal, can save on prescription medications, at more than 90 percent of Nassau pharmacies.”

According to Dr. Robert Henrickson, DVM of the Manhasset Animal Hospital in Manhasset, drugs used by both dogs and humans include most antibiotics, cortisone creams and pills, eye medicines, some heart disease medicines, phenobarbital for seizures, theophylline for breathing problems, lasix, antifungals such as lomotil and conofite and some vitamins and minerals.

Drugs that would not be covered include heartworm medication and flea and tick products.

Dr. Keith Niesenbaum, VMD, of Crawford Dog and Cat Hospital in Garden City Park, stated,  "As the cost of living increases here on Long Island for pets and their owners, many people are looking for ways to save money on veterinary expenses without compromising the quality of care that their pets receive. While many medications and supplements that we administer to our pets have no human equivalent, many are available through regular pharmacies.”

In order to qualify for the pet discount:

- the NassauRx card holder must have a VALID PRESCRIPTION for the pet

- the medication must be one that has a HUMAN EQUIVILENT. Your vet should able to tell you if you can fill your pet’s prescription at a regular retail pharmacy.

"Owners who are interested in obtaining medications from their pharmacy should ask their veterinarians if there is an equivalent drug that they can use for their pet,” Dr. Niesenbaum said.

-ADD YOUR PET’S NAME to your NassauRx card by printing one out from your computer, or call 516-571-2677.

Comptroller Weitzman created the NassauRx prescription drug discount card in 2004. The card provides a discount, averaging 24 percent, for those who do not have drug insurance – and the program costs taxpayers nothing.  The program has saved Nassau residents more than $12 million dollars since it began in 2004.

County residents who wish to obtain a NassauRx card or program information can call 516-571-2677, or print the card for themselves and family members.  The site also allows consumers to check the NassauRx price for any drug covered under the plan.  More information on NassauRx can be found on the Comptroller's Web site at: http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Comptroller/nassauRx.html

Veterinarians caution that all pet owners should check the dosage formulation on any human medication before giving it to their pets. Owners should not give their pets over the counter medications intended for people without first consulting with their veterinarians, as these can often lead to serious side effects, including severe illness or death. According to Dr. Niesenbaum, even one Extra Strength Tylenol can be lethal to a cat and ibuprofen can cause serious G.I. upset or kidney disease.