Larry the Chiweenie Saves 65% on His COPD Pet Medicine

Larry, more affectionately known as Junior at home, is an eight-year old Chiweenie. (For dog newbies like me, a Chiweenie is a cross between a Chihuahua and a Dachshund.) He was adopted from the Humane Society by Kayla three years ago, joining a family of two cats and another dog, Cash the pitbull. Because her other pets have all generally been pretty healthy, Kayla did not anticipate Larry’s medication costs when he became sick. Like many pet owners, she didn’t know that she could use GoodRx coupons on pet medications.

In February earlier this year, Larry was diagnosed with a long-term breathing problem very similar to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Caused by inflammation of the lungs, COPD makes breathing more difficult and can include symptoms like frequent wheezing and shortness of breath.

For humans, COPD is typically managed with one or more inhalers, which allows medicine to be breathed in and delivered directly into the lungs to open up the airways and relieve symptoms. As you can imagine, this is harder to do with pets and requires a special inhaler spacer for animals. The first-line therapy for most pets with COPD, Larry included, is an oral medication which is easier for them to take.

Larry was prescribed terbutaline, a bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles in the lungs to help with airflow. A combination of not having pet insurance and their vet not carrying the terbutaline meant that Kayla would have to pay $120 out of pocket for a month’s supply at a local (human) pharmacy. When she called to check the price, the pharmacist on the other end of the line suggested looking on GoodRx for potential savings. Because of this, Kayla has been able to save $75, or 65%, every month on Larry’s medication from the very beginning.

Kayla and the rest of her family (humans and animals included) don’t take any medications, but she says she’ll definitely check GoodRx first if the occasion arises. For now, Larry can breathe easy and enjoy playing with his siblings!

GoodRx started with a simple idea: Help people find affordable medications. Help people understand their options. Help people get what they need for their health. Have a story about how GoodRx helped you? Email us at share@goodrx.com or tell us on Facebook or Twitter – don’t forget to tag #GoodRxHelps!