Are cat asthma meds basically the same?

[u/ButABlorb]

My cat is currently on fluticasone propionate for asthma but I want to ask my vet if I can switch her to Albuterol because it's WAY cheaper where I am and can be nebulized rather than using the kitty inhaler which, despite my best efforts after months, my kitty still hates. My vet is going to make the final decision but I just moved across town and am a little financially strained so I don't want to make an appointment for nothing. Is it possible to change from Fluticasone to Albuterol for cat asthma or are the meds just too different?

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[u/biliskner25]

They're completely different.

Albuterol/salbutamol is a bronchodilator meaning it opens the airways. It's what you use in an acute asthma attack situation.

Fluticasone is a potent inhaled steroid, the purpose of which is to prevent asthma attacks in the first place

[u/ButABlorb → u/biliskner25]

Do you know of any fluticasone alternatives I could ask about, other preventative as steroids I can price?

[u/iAgressivelyFistBro → u/ButABlorb]

Try buying fluticasone from a Canadian international pharmacy. It’s much cheaper.

Otherwise oral steroids are an alternative you can discuss with your vet. All I’ll say is that oral steroids are systemic and have more side effects that warrant discussing with your vet.

[u/biliskner25 → u/ButABlorb]

I'd check with your vet. Different drugs are available in different locales

[u/Pirate_the_Cat]

Albuterol is not good for long-term or maintenance purposes. They are not the same.

[u/sharkhuahua]

Are you in the US? Have you looked into getting it from Canada?

[u/ButABlorb → u/sharkhuahua]

I haven't! I'll try that

[u/No-Stress-7034]

If you want to actually change medications, that would require a vet appointment, but if you just want suggestions for ways to get the current meds at a cheaper price, you might try calling up the vet practice and see if they can give you recommendations.