Bute (Phenylbutazone) vs phenylbutazone for Horses
Bute (Phenylbutazone) is the brand name for phenylbutazone, prescribed for equine musculoskeletal pain, lameness, inflammation in horses. Generic phenylbutazone typically costs ~$12 at Script Unlock pharmacies vs $45 for brand at the vet — savings of ~$33 per fill.
Brand vs Generic — real pricing
Typical monthly pricing for a 30-day supply.
Prices are averages from recent Script Unlock pharmacy bids. Actual bid ranges vary by pharmacy, location, and quantity. Upload your vet's Rx to see live bids for your ZIP.
Are generics safe for horses?
Yes. FDA-approved generic pet medications must demonstrate bioequivalence to the brand — meaning the same active ingredient reaches the same blood concentration in the same time frame. Clinical effect is expected to be identical.
The only differences between brand Bute (Phenylbutazone) and generic phenylbutazone are:
- Manufacturer — different companies produce brand vs generic
- Packaging + inactive ingredients — different fillers, dyes, coatings (all FDA-approved)
- Price — typically 30-60% lower for the generic
A very small percentage of individual pets respond differently to generic vs brand — usually because of inactive ingredient sensitivity, not the active drug. If you notice any change in your horse's response after switching, consult your vet.
How to get generic phenylbutazone for your horse
Ask your vet at the next visit
Say: "Please write my horse's Bute (Phenylbutazone) prescription so it allows generic substitution." Most vets do this by default; a small number specifically write brand-only for clinical reasons.
Upload the Rx to Script Unlock
Photo or PDF at /upload-prescription. Note in the details field: "Generic acceptable" — pharmacies will bid on the generic if the Rx allows substitution.
Compare bids in 1-4 hours
Verified pharmacies submit competitive cash prices. Some bid brand, some bid generic — you see both and choose. Winning bids typically save 45-65% vs vet office.
Monitor closely on the first switch
Watch for any change in response for 2 weeks after switching from brand to generic. Rare individual pets are sensitive to inactive ingredients — contact your vet immediately if you notice anything unusual.
Frequently asked questions
Is phenylbutazone the same as Bute (Phenylbutazone)?↓
phenylbutazone is the FDA-approved generic version of Bute (Phenylbutazone). Same active ingredient, same clinical effect, same dosing. The difference is manufacturer, packaging, and price. Generic versions of pet medications are FDA-regulated to be bioequivalent to the brand.
How much cheaper is generic phenylbutazone vs brand Bute (Phenylbutazone)?↓
Generic phenylbutazone typically costs ~$12 at Script Unlock pharmacies vs $22 for brand Bute (Phenylbutazone) — savings around $10 per fill (~45%). For chronic prescriptions that's hundreds of dollars per year.
Will my vet write a prescription for generic phenylbutazone?↓
Yes — most vets will write a prescription that allows generic substitution. Ask specifically: "Please write this for generic phenylbutazone so I can compare pharmacy prices." Some vets specifically write brand-only prescriptions if there's a clinical reason.
Is generic phenylbutazone as effective as brand Bute (Phenylbutazone) for horses?↓
FDA-approved generics for pet medications must demonstrate bioequivalence — the active ingredient reaches the same concentration in the same time as brand. Clinical effect is expected to be identical. Rare individual pets may respond differently — discuss with your vet before switching.
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