Pimobendan for Dogs and cats — Same Generic and Brand Name
Pimobendan is used as both the brand name and generic name. It's prescribed for congestive heart failure (CHF), mitral valve disease, dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs and cats. Same medication at every dispenser — but pricing varies wildly. Vet offices average $85; Script Unlock pharmacies fill it for ~$38 (55% off).
Pimobendan pricing at a glance
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 dogs and cats?
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 Pimobendan and generic pimobendan 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 dogs and cat's response after switching, consult your vet.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pimobendan a brand or generic name?↓
Pimobendan is used as both — the brand name and the generic name are the same. This means there's no "brand markup" to avoid, but pharmacies still vary significantly in what they charge. Verified pharmacies bid competitively via Script Unlock — expect ~$38 vs vet office $85.
Why is Pimobendan still expensive at the vet if it's a generic?↓
Vet office pricing reflects retail markup + operational overhead — often 40-60% above pharmacy dispensing costs. Same medication, different distribution channel. Pimobendan through Script Unlock pharmacies saves ~$47 per fill.
Can I get compounded Pimobendan for my dogs and cat?↓
If your dogs and cat needs a custom dose, flavored liquid, or transdermal gel version, compounding pharmacies + compounding vets in the Script Unlock network can prepare those forms with a compounding-specific vet prescription.
Do all pharmacies charge the same for Pimobendan?↓
No — pharmacy pricing on the same generic medication can vary 30-100% between pharmacies. This is exactly why Script Unlock exists. Pharmacies bid on your prescription; you pick the winner.
Find the lowest your pet's pimobendan cash price
Upload your your pet's pimobendan prescription and verified pharmacies bid for your fill. 100% free for patients. No insurance, no membership, no sign-up.
Free for patients. No insurance, no membership, no sign-up required.