A Guide for Livestock Medicines

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023 -- 8:01 AM

(Wisconsin Ag Connection) When looking at the many livestock medicines out there, it is easy to get mixed up with all the names and stickers. Here is a quick guide to help you through.

According to the Wisconsin Ag Connection, every drug has two names: a brand (or business) name and a basic one, which is what's inside it. The brand name is made to sound good for selling, while the basic name, often hard to say, tells us what's in the drug.

Think of the brand name "Aspirin®," made famous by Bayer. What's inside? Acetylsalicylic acid. It is key to know that a new drug's recipe belongs to the first maker only until its special right runs out. After that, others can make and sell the drug with different brand names.

While this gives buyers more price options, you shouldn’t just go for the cheapest one. The small details of these drugs are in the stickers, what's in them, how to store them, and more. Always look closely at stickers to make sure you're picking right.

Another good tip? Go for drugs the FDA says are okay. These are safe and work well. Look for an NADA (New Animal Drug Application) or ANADA (for basic drugs) number. Seeing "Okayed by FDA" on a sticker is always good.

When looking at different brands, move past the brand name and see what's inside. If these match across brands, you're looking at the same drug. Also, make sure you look at how strong it is. This decides how much you'll need. Get how the drug is given. Does it need many doses a day?

Can you handle that? Giving it right is very important. Even if drug names and stickers seem hard, knowing them is important. Always think of health first and talk to a vet before choosing. Saving money should never hurt the health of animals.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.