For the information of everyone concerning vetrinary prescriptions -
yes, a DVM is a "doctor" & the prescriptions they write can be filled
at a "human" pharmacy. The exception may be "controlled substances"
(narcotic & addictive medicines), which require a special license. Vets
CAN write prescriptions for these types of meds, but they do not always
bother to apply for the license to do so. Should not be a problem, as I
have not seen any of this type of drug prescribed for a ferret.

Best advice to get a good price on Pediapred (or any other drug) is to
shop around. Prices on drugs vary from pharmacy to pharmacy. To insure
that your fuzzy is getting the right dosage of the right med, have the
Vet prescribe the drug dosage in mg/kg - any competent Pharmacist
should translate this to a dosage you can measure in an oral syringe
(ml or cc) without you even having to ask. If the drug is not already
available in a liquid (or needs diluted to get a smaller dose), it may
have to be "compounded". Sadly, not all pharmacists are willing to take
the time to do this anymore, so this may limit your choices of stores.
If the prescription needs compounded & you can find an animal-loving
pharmacist, you're likely to get a good "product" & not be gouged on
the price of the drug, either.

Finally, if the medication is available from your Vet, it may actually
be cheaper there. Vet's are usually "softies" & will give you as much
of a break on price as they can. The only drugs that usually cost more
at the Vet's are the meds that are not available to them & must be
"special ordered" from a different source than their supplier of
regular vetrinary drugs. This costs them extra shipping fees & does not
qualify for the volume discounts that human pharmacies can obtain.

Hope this information is helpful to a few of you!

Dooks,
Lisa (retired Pharmacist)

[Posted in FML 5400]