Newcastle Herald

Vets sending pet owners to chemist with scripts

Vets sending pet owners to chemist with scripts
Vets sending pet owners to chemist with scripts

Story sponsored by Priceline Pharmacy Mayfield.

We've all been given a script by a doctor before and sent down to the local pharmacy to get it filled. But have you ever gone to the chemist to pick up a specially-made prescription medication for your dog?

If the answer is yes, then there's a good chance your furry four-legged companion is a patient of one of the growing number of local vets taking advantage of the compounding lab at Priceline Pharmacy in Mayfield.

Pharmacist Roy Budaraju has been compounding medications for humans for more than seven years. However, in times of late it's vets that have been showing the greatest interest in the process.

Prescribing medication for pets can be tricky, Mr Buraraju explained, because unlike humans, who have lots of options when it comes to pharmaceuticals, there are fewer alternatives for animals.

Vets sending pet owners to chemist with scripts
Vets sending pet owners to chemist with scripts

"One of the issues with medications for pets is that they all have different body types," Mr Budaraju said.

"The doses change depending on the body weight of the animal but it's hard for commercial producers to make so many different variations of the same drug," he continued.

"(In most cases) the drug companies will only make four or five different compounds but vets quite often need it to be a different strength to what is available."

The advantages extend well beyond dosages however, as Mr Budaraju explained, the compounding lab can also be used to tailor the drugs to the specific animal's needs.

So, for example, if they are having trouble swallowing but the only drug available is administered orally, Priceline Pharmacy Mayfield can compound a medicine which can be administered in an alternative way.

Vets sending pet owners to chemist with scripts
Vets sending pet owners to chemist with scripts

They currently have five vets who frequently enlist their services. They cater primarily for domestic pets, such as cats and dogs, as well as making medications for horses. As a result, many local stud owners and racing identities have become regulars.

Another advantage, Mr Budaraju says, is that they can compound drugs that have been discontinued by the pharmaceutical industry because they weren't big enough sellers.

In addition, when vets write repeat prescriptions, it can cut down on the number of return visits required, which is often more convenient for everyone involved.

"What most vets will do is give you five repeats," Mr Budaraju explained.

"So, that means you can just come in and see us to get the medication and you can do that five times before you have to go back to see them."

Vets sending pet owners to chemist with scripts
Vets sending pet owners to chemist with scripts

Mr Budaraju has always been an animal lover. In fact, he has a two-year-old Cavoodle named Simba, who is very much a family member.

He also knows how much distress a sick pet can cause its owner. For many people it really is like watching one of their children suffer, he says. That's why he is happy to use his specialty to help local families through these tough times.

Priceline Pharmacy Mayfield also compounds medications for humans, with many local doctors and patients taking advantage of the service.

For more information, call 4968 2305 or visit them in store at 230 Maitland Road, Mayfield.

Story sponsored by Priceline Pharmacy Mayfield.