Rx Refills

Prescription refills are available for some medications and diets. Most medications, such as ear drops or antibiotics, are only given for a short, specific period of time. Others, such as heartworm and flea preventives, thyroid supplements, and prescription diets, may require lifelong use and will be refilled for longer periods of time provided this is medically indicated and proper testing has occurred. The maximum length of time that a product can be refilled is for one year. After this time, an examination and blood work is again required. Many medications affect organs other than those specifically targeted and this yearly testing assures that the desired affect is gained from the medications while minimizing any potential side effects.

If refills are needed, please contact us at info@cherokeeanimalhospital.com or call us directly at 770-479-6505 with your pet's name and the needed medication(s). The doctors will make sure that the prescription can be refilled and prepare it for you, so it is ready upon your arrival. We can also mail medications for your convenience.

Specific notes about prescription products:

1. Heartworm preventive medication is either dispensed for one year or refillable for up to one year. A yearly blood test for heartworm disease is needed prior to refilling the medication.
2. Call or email to request refills. The doctor will check your pet's medical history and authorize the refill if indicated.
3. Refills can then be ready for you to pick-up or can be mailed.
4. The doctors will determine the number of refills available for your pet.
5. Some medications do not require refills.
6. Some pets MUST be seen to authorize refills as additional blood testing or exams may be needed.
7. All pets will require yearly examinations and blood testing in order to fill any prescriptions.

The doctors and staff at Cherokee Animal Hospital want to provide the best medicine and service possible for your pets and you. We understand that it can be difficult at times to bring your pet in for examination and that picking up a refill of medication may seem to be the simplest means to provide care for your pet. So, if possible, we are happy to offer refills. However, there are times that the needs of your pet will require an examination. The doctors will advise you as to whether a refill is available, or if the animal needs to be examined prior to dispensing the medication.

Additionally, we strongly discourage the use of on line pet pharmacies. The only reason for this is that manufactures of the most commonly ordered medications (Heartgard, Frontline, Advantage, Deramaxx, Previcox, Interceptor and others) DO NOT SELL to on line pharmacies or to any distributor that sells to these pharmacies. This begs the question, where do these on line agencies get their products? They are unwilling to answer this question. The most important fact for us, is that these product manufactures will not guarantee their products if purchased through an on line pharmacy. This tells us all we need to know and feel it is not worth the risk to our patients to use their services. We will be happy to discuss any concerns or questions you may have.