Do you take veterinary meds to avoid a doctor visit?

Apparently, this is a thing:

https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2011/04/is-it-safe-for-humans-to-take-animal-drugs.html

"Reckless readers may be interested to know that many agricultural supply stores contain a refrigerator case stocked with antibiotics and vaccines approved for use in livestock. These medicines, along with fish antibiotics, are available without a prescription, much to the chagrin of doctors, veterinarians, and public health advocates."

So, Im curious, who does this?
(the poll is anonymous in case you're worried your HCP is lurking, but feel free to explain in further detail)

 

I have heard of lots of people in my area that do that. Myself I go to the doctor and get a prescription. Shot my self up with a large bore needle does not sound all that fun to me.

 

The problem isn't using the medicines, I'm sure they are fine. The problem is the morons who think they are doctors and know what's wrong with them.

 

Would a population of relentlessly dumbed-down Americans take medications created for animals...? Oh, I just can't MAKE myself believe that... especially when Big Pharma has jacked the prices of 'human' medicine into the stratosphere during the last ten years....

Question: when it finally gets to be BIG news that the ink from tattoos seeps into the lymph nodes, what kind of animal meds will people take if they can't afford treatment with chemo for lymphoma...?

. "Tattoos? No thanks! Not even an animal is THAT stupid...."

 

Dog food is approved for animals too, but I wouldnt eat it.

 

. "You got a tattoo...? Really? Am I in your will...?! Sorry, no dog meds for that...."

 

This is a funny thread. I don't, but my dad used to sometimes, because they were cheaper. And never had a problem with it. Honestly, a lot of those are the same stuff prescribed to us when we get sick. They are cheaper because there's more of a limit what people will spend on their pets than their own health. Which tells us a lot when you think about it.

 

Welcome to healthcare in America

FFS

 

Yeah, and if we think healthcare is getting worse now, just WAIT until the radical Democrats saddle us with "Medicare-for-all"! Instead of waiting weeks to see a specialist, you'll wait MONTHS -- just like they do in 'enlightened, progressive' socialist Europe....

. "Oh, goody! I can see my dermatologist before the end of the year...."

 

When we were nursing along our very, very sick cat, the assistant at the vets office said some people had been actively hurting their pets to get pains meds, which they would then take. I was astounded, but in reality I have to accept that some humans are sub human.

As to taking cheaper meds available at an agri-feed type place? Not my place to judge, blessed are those.....

 

I hope there's a special place in hell for anybody who would harm an animal to get 'pain meds'! In general, most pain issues can be dealt with very effectively with 800 mg of ibuprofen -- which is cheap and available in every pharmacy and grocery store. The pills sold without prescription in all the stores are measured at 200 mg each -- so -- to get 800 mg, you'd take four of them -- but NOT too often!

Oh, and the pain medication acetaminophen is probably the worst thing imaginable for the liver, even though they always shovel it out to people in hospitals who aren't put on morphine.... And aspirin? Causes some real problems with your stomach if you take too much too often....

 

My local pharmacy (Publix grocery store) offers free prescriptions for some antibiotics (and BP and diabetic medication).

https://ww4.publix.com/pharmacy-wellness/pharmacy/pharmacy-services/free-medication-program

 

Has there been any protest from the drug companies about this?
It’s is a very public spirited idea but surprising that there aren’t regulations against it.

 

I'm sure it's a loss leader, but they make up for it in increased revenue for the store. I picked up one of those antibiotics this week, and ended up spending $20 or so at the store. Why would the drug companies object? They sell the drugs to Publix for the same price they sell it to any other drug store. The drug companies aren't out a cent.

That, and the drugs that they give away for free are generics that have been around for a while. That, and I think most people who are getting those particular prescriptions are likely to need others.

 

I don't think you are suppose to give yourself rabies shots.

 

I have been taking my dog's Prozac for about three years now.

 

I remember when my dad's cancer medicine ran about ten dollars per pill when sold for humans, but ten cents per pill when sold for sheep. He had good insurance,and didn't have to buy the vet version. I don't remember exactly what drug it was.

I've treated myself with antibiotics when needed, which I got without a prescription (over the internet, where else?). I get a tick bite that's not noticed for a couple days, that means doxicycline for a week. I get a deep puncture wound from a psycho cat or a rusty nail, it's the tetracycline. Get pneumonia, the amoxicillin. That kind of self-treatment doesn't require a doctor visit, and it saves time and money.

 

I thought there might be some competition rules which prohibit undercutting prices.

 

All these drugs have been generics for awhile. It's not all drugs, just a sampler of them.

 

Is your tetanus vaccination current? A deep puncture wound is an ideal place for tetanus bacilli to grow.

 

Was just discussing this topic at a freinds house, sister in law said she uses some vet grade, drawing salve (the name escapes and it looks and smells like tar) Anyhow, I got some to use on me. Had a splinter in my toe for the last couple months, been worrying with a needle, to no avail. Damn thing has been aggrevating. Gonna try the salve.

 

Magnoplasm.
It is used to help draw out splinters, thorns & exudates (ooze & pus). Especially good for those hard to reach splinters under the nails and in the hands and feet. Splintex Splinter Removal Gel is listed as a class 1 medical device.

 

Gonna soak the old dogs tonight and slather it on, see if it works. While I probably would not dose myself with vet grade antibiotics, I can see why some would. Have to consult my dear old Dad on it. He has a Master's degree in animal science and has been a farrier and equine dentist for decades. When I was a boy, he used to get horse tranqualizer from a vet friend, for use on the most extreme horses who were otherwise impossible to trim or shoe. As a last resort.
I grew up holding the lead rope and handing him tools. Hoof trimmings are like crack to dogs, they absolutely LOVE eating them.

 

I get what you are saying. How do they plan to keep healthcare costs down or lower them if we are all on a government plan? Toilet seats for the military are like $400. Hammers $75. I mean, the price just goes up when it is guaranteed that we can all pay a little more in taxes and it will be absorbed. I do not see how it can work. It will make prices rise more, not fall. Only competition or regulation causes prices to fall and poorly written regulations cause businesses to get out of the industry. I don't see the answer.

 

A big part of the cost of all these medications are the regulatory approval, expensive safety trials, and the legal liability. (Obviously the potential legal liability is going to be much lower if the medication is intended for animals)

Your $1 pill is going to end up costing $10 if one person out of ten thousand ends up suing the company for $1 million.