Rimadyl or Novox?

he old adage, "you get what you pay for" is proven wrong with pet medication generics. Take, for instance, the bio-equivalent Novox, which has the same active ingredient as the popular arthritis medication Rimadyl, but costs nearly 30% less. Many veterinarians prescribe this medication for arthritic dogs.

Both Novox and Rimadyl contain the active ingredient carprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Carprofen is used for the relief of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, including hip dysplasia. It is also approved for the control of postoperative pain associated with soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries.

In animal as well as in human medicine, a generic medication is rigorously tested to demonstrate that the rate and extent of absorption of the active ingredients are the same as those of the brand name drug. Although inactive ingredients such as fillers and dyes can be different, these ingredients should not affect the efficacy of the drug in any way.

Generic equivalents of brand-name drugs have the same active ingredients and potency, are available in the same dosage forms (for example, tablet, liquid, or injectable), and have been demonstrated safe and effective. The FDA allows no drug on the market unless it has been proven to meet their stringent safety, efficacy, and manufacturing standards. All generics are put through a rigorous multi-step approval process before they are considered brand equivalents. The FDA can also recall products if they don't meet production standards, and can even stop the manufacture of products until the manufacturing firm shows that it can make and test its drugs in a way that meets their high standards.

Since 1984, no generic drug has been approved in the U.S. unless it has been shown to have the same rate and amount of active drug absorbed as the brand name.