Submission Number: 560891-00537 

Received: 9/22/2012 11:31:55 PM
Commenter: Suzanne  Colligan
Organization: 
State: New York

Agency: Federal Trade Commission
Initiative: Request for Comments and Announcement of Workshop on Pet Medications Issues, Project No. P121201
Attachments: No Attachments
Submission Text
To Whom it May Concern, I adopted a cat that was rescued by a local animal shelter in 2009. Oreo Louise had a bout with pneumonia shortly after I adopted her. The vet said she might have asthma and to watch for signs. Fast forward to 2012 and my vet's colleague confirmed that she does have asthma. I had to buy a gadget that would allow me to administer Flovent and Albuterol, asthma medications that are prescribed for humans and animals. The gadget was about $70. The cost of Albuterol is manageable because it is generic--about $45. The cost of Flovent is high--more than $200 for each container. If Oreo Louise were a human, she would have access to health insurance and the cost would be less. Typically, I have to buy a new inhaler every two months. Some may perceive pets to be "just animals" but I am of the mindset that they are part of the family. There ought to be a way to charge less for human medications that are also used on animals. I don't know if the FTC can examine this issue. If they could do so and deliver a fair compromise, pet owners would be pleased. Thank you, Suzanne Colligan