Local Sources for Sub-Q Fluids

Be sure to ask your vet to write the prescription for a case of 12 1-liter bags, it's generally impossible to order individual bags locally and they'd be too overpriced anyway. Ideally the prescription should also specify 3 refills, that way you'll be set for about a year.

To get prices for fluids you'll need to go to the pharmacy in person. Calling does no good, you'd generally be talking to a pharmacy tech who just looks at what they carry in stock and will tell you they can't get it. Usually you'll need to speak directly with the pharmacist, who will be able to order it using the NDC code which you can get off of the bag you got from your vet. (If the pharmacy happens to carry a different brand they'll be able to cross-reference the NDC code in their computer).

To get a decent price you need a discount card, which can be printed online.
Some programs that have worked in the past seem to have disappeared. The following links have been checked as current in November 2023:

GoodRX has been around the longest and many people have reported getting a good price using the card (no specific coupon for LRS)
https://www.goodrx.com/discount-card

These do list coupons if Lactated Ringers is searched. NOTE that bag size (1000ml) and quantity (12 per case) must be specified

Some of the quotes between different quantities on the same program seem inconsistent, so might not be reliable. Bottom line comes from the pharmacist.

Print out all of your cards and take them along with your prescription and NDC code. You'll generally need to speak with the pharmacist directly. Different locations will have different discounts for each card, so try as many as you can to find the best price.

Once you've got a quote have them check to make sure that their supplier actually has them in stock to ship before you hand over your prescription and place the order. (They may need it to check the price, though, just make sure they understand that you need it back if they can't get what you need, so you can try some place else. Rite-aid and Walgreen's, for instance, had different prices for the same card. CostCo pharmacy is another place folks get fluids.


So the sequence is:

  1. Obtain a written prescription from your vet;
  2. Print discount cards;
  3. Take the cards and prescription to a pharmacy;
  4. Have them locate the fluids in their inventory system;
  5. Have them scan the cards to find the best discounted price;
  6. Confirm actual availability (or backorder status) before placing the order.

Other supplies like needles and venosets (the tubing) are best ordered online. Terumo needles generally aren't available through local sources and a greater variety of venosets can be ordered at lower cost by mail.