Pet ownership can be costly. But a new generic flea drug out on the market within the past month promises to be half the price as the name brand. The question is: will it work as well?
Meet Annie. She is a 10-year-old Golden Retriever and her owner, Cheryl - jokingly calls her the million dollar dog.
"She's had a total hip replacement. She's had oral melanoma."
But, in reality, taking care of Annie does add up every year. Cheryl says anywhere between $1,000 and $1,500 dollars a year. Flea medication alone? Cheryl says that costs her $90 for a six month supply.
But that expensive treatment now has some competition.
"What's changed over the last couple of weeks is that Fipronil, which is the main ingredient in Frontline Plus has come off of its patent," says Dr. Mike Nappier with Westlake Animal Hospital.
Now, other manufacturers are jumping on the chance to replicate the money making drug.
Walmart is pushing ads for their generic brand, PetArmor Plus. It retails for $28 for any size breed of dog. Frontline Plus can run a pet owner anywhere from $39 for a small breed to $68 for large breed.
But the question is does it work as well as the brand name?
Dr. Mike Nappier with Westlake Animal Hospital says the Pet Armor PLUS has the same ingredients but Pet Armor doesn't.
"The danger is getting confused between the two. Because the Pet Armor does not have the S methoprene insect growth regulator in it."
That's the ingredient that kills flea eggs not required for the generic Fipronil products. Dr. Nappier says that's where pet owners have to pay attention. When generic drugs first come to market, there's a chance they won't have all the necessary ingredients.
Another effect of the Fipronil patent expiring might be more competitive prices for Frontline Plus. Currently, the drug is more expensive the larger the breed. Dr. Nappier expects Frontline Plus to be one flat price and possibly drop in cost.
WKYC-TV