Tanya

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TANYA'S

COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO

FELINE CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

24 July 2000 - 24 July 2020

Twenty years online!

(Not tax deductible since I am a private individual)

 

 

 

 

LOCAL SOURCES FOR FLUID USA

 

ON THIS PAGE:


Obtaining a Prescription


Using Local Pharmacies


Discount Cards


National Drug Code (NDC) Numbers


Sources for Fluids Listed by State


 

 

 

HOME


HOME


Site Overview


Just Diagnosed? What You Need to Know First


Search This Site


 

 

WHAT IS CKD?


What Happens in CKD


Causes of CKD


How Bad is It?


Is There Any Hope?


Acute Kidney Injury


 

KEY ISSUES: PROLONGING LIFE


Phosphorus Control


Hypertension

(High Blood Pressure)


Proteinuria


Anaemia


Potassium Imbalances


Pyelonephritis (Kidney Infections) and Urinary Tract Infections NEW


Metabolic Acidosis


Kidney Stones


 

KEY ISSUES: HELPING YOUR CAT FEEL BETTER


Nausea, Vomiting, Appetite Loss and Excess Stomach Acid


Maintaining Hydration


The B Vitamins (Including Methylcobalamin)


Constipation


 

CAT FOOD DATA


Ways of Assessing Food Content, Including What is Dry Matter Analysis


How to Use the Food Data Tables


USA Canned Food Data


USA Dry Food Data


USA Cat Food Brands: Helpfulness Ratings


USA Cat Food Brands: Contact Details


USA Food Data Book


 

SUPPORT


Coping with CKD


Tanya's Support Group


Success Stories


 

SYMPTOMS


Important: Crashing


Alphabetical List of Symptoms and Treatments


Fluid and Urinary  Imbalances (Dehydration, Overhydration and Urinary Issues)


Waste Product Regulation Imbalances (Vomiting, Appetite Loss, Excess Stomach Acid, Gastro-intestinal Problems, Mouth Ulcers Etc.)


Phosphorus and Calcium Imbalances


Miscellaneous Symptoms (Pain, Hiding Etc.)


 

DIAGNOSIS: WHAT DO ALL THE TEST RESULTS MEAN?


Early Detection


Blood Chemistry: Kidney Function, Potassium, Other Tests (ALT, Amylase, (Cholesterol, Etc.)


Calcium, Phosphorus, Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) and Secondary Hyperparathyroidism


Complete Blood Count (CBC): Red and White Blood Cells: Anaemia and Infection


Urinalysis (Urine Tests)


Other Tests: Ultrasound, Biopsy, X-rays etc.


Renomegaly (Enlarged Kidneys)


Which Tests to Have and Frequency of Testing


Factors that Affect Test Results


Normal Ranges


International and US Measuring Systems


 

TREATMENTS


Which Treatments are Essential


Fluid and Urinary Issues (Fluid Retention, Infections, Incontinence, Proteinuria)


Waste Product Regulation (Mouth Ulcers, GI Bleeding, Antioxidants, Adsorbents, Azodyl, Astro's CRF Oil)


Phosphorus, Calcium and Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (Calcitriol)


Phosphorus Binders


Steroids, Stem Cell Transplants and Kidney Transplants


Antibiotics and Painkillers


Holistic Treatments (Including Slippery Elm Bark)


ESAs (Aranesp, Epogen etc.) for Severe Anaemia


General Health Issues in a CKD Cat: Fleas, Arthritis, Dementia, Vaccinations


Tips on Medicating Your Cat


Obtaining Supplies Cheaply in the UK, USA and Canada


Working with Your Vet and Recordkeeping


 

DIET & NUTRITION


Nutritional Requirements of CKD Cats


The B Vitamins (Including Methylcobalamin)


What to Feed (and What to Avoid)


Persuading Your Cat to Eat


2007 Food Recall USA


 

FLUID THERAPY


Oral Fluids


Intravenous Fluids


Subcutaneous Fluids


Tips on Giving Subcutaneous Fluids


How to Give Subcutaneous Fluids with a Giving Set


How to Give Subcutaneous Fluids with a Syringe


Subcutaneous Fluids - Winning Your Vet's Support


Dialysis


 

RELATED DISEASES


Heart Problems


Hyperthyroidism


Diabetes


Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)


Pancreatitis


Dental Problems


Anaesthesia


 

OBTAINING SUPPLIES CHEAPLY


UK


USA Online


USA Local (Fluids)


Canada


 

SAYING GOODBYE


The Final Hours


Other People's Losses


Coping with Your Loss


 

MISCELLANEOUS


Prevention


Feline CKD Research, Including Participation Opportunities


CKD Research in Other Species


Share This Site: A Notice for Your Vet's Bulletin Board or Your Local Pet Shop


Canine Kidney Disease


Other Illnesses (Cancer, Liver) and Behavioural Problems


Diese Webseite auf Deutsch


 

SITEOWNER (HELEN)


My Three CKD Cats: Tanya, Thomas and Ollie


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Home > Supplies > US Local Supplies

 


Overview


  • It is usually cheaper to buy your sub-Q fluids online or from a local pharmacy.

  • Unfortunately there have been fluids shortages in the USA in recent years, which means it can sometimes be hard to find fluids at all, let alone at reasonable prices.

  • This page has details of pharmacies where members of Tanya's CKD Support Group have been able to find fluids locally.

  • It also explains more about how to obtain these supplies more cheaply, such as by using discount cards.


Obtaining a Prescription


 

A prescription is required for fluids in every state. Ask for a prescription that enables you to buy a case of fluids (12-14 bags) of fluid at one time, and that allows you to order refills.

 

If your vet refuses to write a prescription, you may be able to insist that s/he does so, depending upon which state you live in — The American Veterinary Medical Association has more information on this.

 

Even if you do not live in a state where the vet must give you a prescription if you ask for one, the American Veterinary Medical Association states "As a veterinarian, when you determine that a medication is needed for a patient, you can discuss with your client the benefits of having the drug dispensed directly from your clinic. If your client still wants the prescription filled elsewhere, you should comply with their wish and provide a written prescription."

 


Using Local Pharmacies


 

See Subcutaneous Fluids Tips for more information on the various types of fluid that are sold for use in cats. Most people use lactated ringers solution (LRS).

 

The cheapest source for fluids is usually to find a local pharmacy in your area offering low prices. This has several advantages:

  • It saves on shipping costs, which are often expensive since fluids are heavy.

  • You will often be able to obtain the fluids more quickly.

  • Your vet may be more comfortable about you using a local pharmacy and therefore more inclined to give you the prescription you need.

Most pharmacies do not stock fluids but until 2014 chains such as Walgreen's or Costco could all often obtain fluids for you quickly and cheaply, usually for under US$30 a case (a case usually refers to twelve bags of 1000 ml fluid, though occasionally it will be for fourteen bags of 1000 ml fluid). The Costco record is US$7 for a case (and that was in NYC). Using a discount card issued by the pharmacy chain itself or one of the discount cards discussed below can also result in worthwhile savings: the record for a purchase with a discount card (a locally issued card in this case) was US$5.99 for a case at a Target branch in Texas.

 

Before you get your hopes up, I have to tell you that sadly, in light of the regular nationwide fluid shortages, obtaining fluids locally is not always as easy as it used to be. CVS and Target no longer seem willing to order fluids. Prices bounce all over the place these days, and the current going rate for most people appears to be around US$35-120 a case. This is still cheaper than what many vets charge.

 

Do not wait until you are about to run out of fluids before trying to source them. Since fluids are usually good for at least a year, if your cat seems stable I would try to obtain a case or two as soon as you can so as not to have the potential headache of trying and failing to find any at short notice later in the year.

 

Approaching Local Pharmacies


Because of the regular fluids shortages in the USA, it is not as easy as it was to find fluids locally, but here is a strategy that might help. If you get lucky, you should receive your fluids quickly and at a reasonable price.  

  1. Visit or call your local pharmacy (if you visit, take your cat's prescription with you). Try to speak to a pharmacist rather than a clerk if possible — apparently the pharmacist has access to the full catalogue whereas the clerks often do not.

  1. It is particularly important to explain that you wish to order the fluids — most branches do not hold them in stock, but can order them quickly, though not every employee realises this.

  1. It greatly increases your chances of success if you can provide the pharmacist with the NDC (National Drug Code) for your fluids, see below.

  1. Try to use a discount card (see below). Most of these cards are free yet may sometimes entitle you to a lower price for your fluids. Many people print out all of these cards, then ask the pharmacist to check which one gives them the biggest discount and use that one.

  1. If you decide to source your fluids from Walgreens, you can consider having your cat join the Walgreen's discount scheme, the Prescription Savings Club (though sometimes the free discount cards actually give you a better price, so check before you sign up). This costs US$35 a year for family membership, which includes cats (if you already have a family membership, you can add your cat to it for free), or US$20 a year for an individual (i.e. your cat). You can sign up online or in the store. Unfortunately this is not available if you live in Washington State.

  1. If you live in Florida, there is a new programme called Walgreens Plus, available at 17 stores. According to page 47 of the price list dated November 2018 (still valid as at July 2020), under this scheme you can buy 30 days worth of LRS (the odd amount of 8762ml) for US$53.94, so presumably a case of 12 would cost US$73.87.

  1. One thing to note about Walgreens is that, following a change of supplier in 2014, it no longer supplies DEHP-free fluids, so you will have to decide whether this is a dealbreaker for you.

  1. Before you place your order, ask the pharmacist to call their supplier or check the online system to make sure the supplier has your chosen fluids in stock. Otherwise you could be disappointed a few days later when they call to tell you they can't fill your order after all. Also double check the price before you order so you don't get any nasty shocks.

  1. Ask the pharmacist to order the fluids for you if you are happy with the price quoted. Wait for the fluids to arrive (it should only take a day or so) and go and collect them.


Discount Cards


 

If you are purchasing your fluids locally, it is often very worthwhile to use a discount card. Different cards are accepted by different pharmacies, so I would try obtaining all these cards. You usually print them out and then take them with you to your local pharmacy and see which one gets you the biggest discount.

 

Tanya's CKD Support Group members have not received any spam as a result of using the cards, though many choose to use an inaccurate e-mail address to be on the safe side (this won't work for the GoodRx card, which e-mails you the card). See below for tips on obtaining fluids from local pharmacies.

 

Here are the cards which members have used successfully:

 

GoodRx Discount Card

This card has been used successfully by many members of my support group. I have been told that Wal-Mart no longer accepts this card for pet medications, though some people have used it successfully. You can obtain a general discount card, but you may have more success if you go to the GoodRx website, state your location and choose a local pharmacy, then print a coupon for the item you require, to be used at that particular branch.

 

SingleCare

Has been used successfully by a member of the support group to obtain a discount for ESAs. The website quotes prices from US$30.84 for a case of 12 1000ml LRS, though prices vary depending upon your location. You choose the local pharmacy you wish to use from a list provided and then print out a coupon to take with you when you order.

 

Pet Drug Card

Has been used successfully by a member of the support group to obtain discounts at Wal-Mart.

 

RxFreeCard

Has been used successfully by one person I know of.

 

Simple Savings Card

Has been used successfully by quite a few people, as you can see below.

 

Discount Drug Network Card

has been used successfully by one person.

 

RxSaver Card

has been used successfully by one person.

 

American Automobile Association

If you are a member of the AAA, you are eligible for an AAA Prescription Savings Card, which some members of my support group have used successfully to obtain fluids at a discount locally.

 

Walgreens Prescription Savings Club

This card has been used successfully by many members of my support group but it is not free. It costs US$35 a year for family membership, which includes cats, or US$20 a year for an individual (i.e. your cat).

 

Drug Discount Card

I haven't heard from anyone who has used this card to date.

 

Drugs

has a discount card available. I haven't heard from anyone who has used this card to date.

 


National Drug Code (NDC) Numbers


 

If you are purchasing fluids locally, It can help a lot if you have NDC (National Drug Code) numbers, which enable pharmacists to search their stock and supplier database quickly.

 

NDCs consist of 11 numbers in total: the manufacturer code (five numbers), followed by the drug code (four numbers), followed by the size code (two numbers). If a number is missing, you usually just add an extra 0 at the beginning of the section with the missing number.

 

These are the NDC codes for the most popular fluids:

 

Fluid Type

DEHP Status

Brand

NDC Number

Lactated Ringers Solution

Lactated Ringers Solution

 

Hospira

0409-7953-09

Lactated Ringers Solution

DEHP-Free

Hospira

0409-7953-48

Lactated Ringers Solution

DEHP-Free

Braun

0264-7750-00

Lactated Ringers Solution

DEHP-Free

Baxter

0338-6307-04

 

 

 

 

Normosol

Normosol-R

 

Hospira

0409-7967-09

Normosol-R 7.4 pH

 

Hospira

0409-7670-09

 

 

 

 

Sodium Chloride

0.9% Sodium Chloride Solution

 

Hospira

0409-7983-09

 


Sources for Fluids Listed by State


 

The list is ordered by state, so please click on the letter relating to your state. If there is no information, it is because I have not been advised of any suppliers as yet.

 

You will notice many people were able to obtain better prices using a variety of discount cards. You can read more about these above.

 

Please also read here about how to go about obtaining discounts at Walgreens.

 

A

C

D

F

G

I

L

M

N

P

T

V

W

 

 


A


 

ARIZONA

Location

Pharmacy

Address

Purchase

Price US$

Discount Card

Date

Glendale Fry's 4329 W Northern Ave, Glendale 85301 14 LRS 43.00 Discount Drug Network 2019 06
 

Phoenix

Walgreens

Corner of Tatum and Greenway

12 LRS

30.58

GoodRX

2016 09

 

Tucson

Costco

Grant Road

12 LRS

35.00

 

2017 09

 

Scottsdale

Walgreens

64th St and Greenway

12 LRS

30.58

GoodRX

2016 03

 


C


 

CALIFORNIA

Location

Pharmacy

Address

Purchase

(1000ml bags)

Price US$

Discount Card

Date

             

Oakland

PetVet Petfood

 

1 LRS

8.95

Script apparently not required

2017 11

14 LRS

99.95

El Cerrito

Huntington Beach

Costco

 

12 LRS

30.37

Simple Savings

2018 01

Los Angeles

Costco

 

12 LRS

46.00

 

2019 01

Los Angeles

Costco

 

12 LRS

30.37

Simple Savings

2018 06

Marina del Rey

Costco

 

12 LRS

30.37

RefillWise Card

2018 11

Los Angeles

Peticub

1804 S La Cienega Blvd CA 90035

1 LRS

9.95

 

2017 11

Los Angeles

Costco

8810 Tampa Ave, Northridge, CA 91324

12 LRS

43.00

AAA Card

2017 09

Los Angeles

Walgreens

20901 Devonshire St, Chatsworth

12 LRS

30.83

AAA Card

2017 09

Los Angeles

Costco

 

12 LRS

110.00

 

2017 08

Napa

Walgreens

 

12 LRS

85.00

 

2017 09

Riverside 92509

Walgreens

8044 Limonite Ave

12 DEHP-Free LRS

30.58

Simple Savings

2017 03

Northern LA

Walgreens

 

12 LRS

30.00

AAA Card

2016 05

Northern LA

Walgreens

 

12 LRS

22.50

AAA card

2015 02

San Fernando Valley, LA

Walgreens

 

24 LRS

58.93

AAA Card

2016 09

Southern California

Sav-on Drugs, Albertsons

 

14 LRS

33.00

Albertson's own card

2015 02

 

Walgreens

 

12 LRS DEHP-free

33.26

GoodRX

2016 03

Pacifica

Walgreens

 

12 LRS

32.00

GoodRX

2016 05

Berkeley

Costco

 

14 LRS

56.29

 

2015 06

Santa Monica

Rite Aid

 

1 LRS

11.00

 

2015 01

Northridge

Costco

 

12 LRS

43.00

 

2016 07

 


D


 

DELAWARE

Location

Pharmacy

Address

Purchase

Price US$

Discount Card

Date

 

Walgreens

 

12 LRS

29.82

Pet Drug Card

2019 01

 

Walgreens

 

12 LRS

33.60

Your Pharmacy

2016 07

 


F


 

FLORIDA

Location

Pharmacy

Address

Purchase

Price US$

Discount Card

Date

Cooper City

Walgreens

NW corner of Pine Island and Stirling

12 LRS DEHP-free

34.90

AAA card

2014 10

Central Florida

Walgreens

 

12 LRS

23.00

 

2015 08

Miami

Walgreens

NW corner of Sunset Drive and SW 157th Ave

12 LRS

71.71

AAA Card

2016 10

Miami

Walgreens

NW corner of Sunset Drive and SW 157th Ave

12

Normosol-R

72.00

Prescription Savings Club

2016 05

 


G


 

GEORGIA

Location

Pharmacy

Address

Purchase

Price US$

Discount Card

Date

Warner Robins

Kroger

 

12 LRS

68.52

ScriptSave Well Rx

2019 01

 


H


 

HAWAII

Location

Pharmacy

Address

Purchase

Price US$

Discount Card

Date

 

Costco

 

12 LRS

20.00

 

2019 07

 

 


I


 

ILLINOIS

Location

Pharmacy

Address

Purchase

Price US$

Discount Card

Date

Aurora

Walgreens

 

12 LRS

37.68

Prescriptions Saving Club

2014 12

Chicago

Costco

 

12 LRS DEHP-free

44.00

 

2015 07

North Riverside

Costco

2500 South Harlem Ave
North RiversideIL
60546-1415

24 LRS

127.00

 

2017 05

Westmont

Westmont Pharmacy

2 N Cass Ave, Westmont, IL 60559

12 LRS

80.00

 

2017 05

 


K


 


L


 

LOUISIANA

Location

Pharmacy

Address

Purchase

Price US$

Discount Card

Date

Covington

Walgreens

1203 Business 190, Covington, Louisiana, 70433

12 LRS

70.45

Prescriptions Saving Club

2017 07

 


M


 

MAINE

Location

Pharmacy

Address

Purchase

Price US$

Discount Card

Date

Portland

Walgreens

340 Allen Ave, Portland

207-878-0530

12 LRS

33.60

GoodRX

2019 01

 

MARYLAND

Location

Pharmacy

Address

Purchase

Price US$

Discount Card

Date

Baltimore

Costco

 

12 LRS

88.00

Costco Member

2016 07

 

MASSACHUSETTS

Location

Pharmacy

Address

Purchase

Price US$

Discount Card

Date

 

Wal-Mart

 

12 LRS

46.00

Pet Medication

2015 01

Deadham

Costco

 

12 LRS

39.00

 

2016 05

 


N


 

NEW JERSEY

Location

Pharmacy

Address

Purchase

Price US$

Discount Card

Date   

Wayne

Wayne Pharmacy

1055 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne

NJ 07470

973-696-6667

12 LRS

44.95

 

2016 05

 

NEW YORK

Location

Pharmacy

Address

Purchase

Price US$

Discount Card

Date   

Brooklyn

Costco

Redhook

4 LRS

26.00

 

2015 03

Poughkeepsie

Walgreens

 

12 LRS

15.00

 

2015 02

 

Walgreens

 

12 LRS DEHP-free

34.00

 

2016 03

 

NORTH CAROLINA

Location

Pharmacy

Address

Purchase

Price US$

Discount Card

Date   

Charlotte

Walgreens

Charlotte

 

33.60

Simple Savings

2018 05

Charlotte

Costco

500 Tyvola Road, Charlotte

28217

 

30.37

Simple Savings

2018 05

Raleigh

Walgreens

9650 Strickland Road, Raleigh, NC 27615

12 LRS DEHP-free

21.96

RxSaver

2019 05

Raleigh

Walgreens

9650 Strickland Road, Raleigh, NC 27615

12 LRS DEHP-free

29.70

GoodRX

2017 06

Raleigh

Walgreens

 

12 LRS DEHP-free

33.60

Simple Savings

2016 08

Raleigh

Walgreens

 

12 LRS DEHP-free

30.60

Simple Savings

2016 03

 


O


 


P


 

PENNSYLVANIA

Location

Pharmacy

Address

Purchase

Price US$

Discount Card

Date

Wexford

Allegheny Health Network

Wexford Pavilion Pharmacy Wexford PA 15090

12 LRS

34.67

Simple Savings

2018 06

Cranberry Twp

Costco

Cranberry Twp. PA 16066

12 LRS

34.67

Simple Savings

2018 06

North Versailles

K-Mart

 

12 LRS

37.00

 

2017 10

 


R


 


S


 

 

 


T


 

TEXAS

Location

Pharmacy

Address

Purchase

Price US$

Discount Card

Date

Austin

Walgreens

 

12 LRS

33.60

Your Pharmacy

2017 07

 


U


 


V


 

VIRGINIA

Location

Pharmacy

Address

Item

Price US$

Discount Card

Date

Hampton

Walgreens

Corner of Armistead Ave & Mercury Blvd

12 LRS

33.60

Your Pharmacy

2016 09

 

Walgreens

 

14 LRS

46.20

Can't remember

2015 09

 


W


 

WASHINGTON STATE

Location

Pharmacy

Address

Purchase

Price US$

Discount Card

Date

Redmond

Costco

 

12 LRS

38.00

 

2017 05

Seattle

Walgreens

 

9 LRS

34.70

Your Pharmacy

2015 06

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back to Page Index 

This page last updated: 06 September 2020

Links on this page last checked: 06 September 2020

 

   

*****

 

TREATING YOUR CAT WITHOUT VETERINARY ADVICE CAN BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.

 

I have tried very hard to ensure that the information provided in this website is accurate, but I am NOT a vet, just an ordinary person who has lived through CKD with three cats. This website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat any cat. Before trying any of the treatments described herein, you MUST consult a qualified veterinarian and obtain professional advice on the correct regimen for your cat and his or her particular requirements; and you should only use any treatments described here with the full knowledge and approval of your vet. No responsibility can be accepted.

 

If your cat appears to be in pain or distress, do not waste time on the internet, contact your vet immediately.

 

*****

Copyright © Tanya's Feline CKD Website 2000-2020. All rights reserved.

 

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