Buying pet medications online? The FDA has a stern warning
Photo courtesy of Daniel Parks
Other pet needs are such that they require prescription diets to manage illness or organ dysfunction (usually available directly from veterinary offices), or prescription pain medication to treat conditions like arthritis.
Folks are finding it more challenging these days because of the economic conditions. Some pet owners are seeking alternatives to save money on their companion animals' prescription medication, which is something we all would like to do, right? One route that has become quite popular recently is to use an online pet pharmacy.
However, the Food and Drug Administration has issued a consumer alert detailing the dangers of buying discounted pet medications online. In doing some of their own investigating, the FDA discovered there are some online companies shipping expired merchandise and counterfeit medications. All are dangerous, as they pose health risks ranging from toxicity to ineffectiveness. Some companies were found to be making lofty claims about the effectiveness of drugs they are selling; they've never been approved by the FDA.
One area of concern: the dispensing of heartworm medication and a specific class of pain relievers without a prescription. Heartworm preventative should never be given to a dog who has not been tested for heartworm. Doing so can cause life-threatening consequences for a dog if they have it. With pain relievers, the FDA's concern is with the nonsteroidal anti-inflammitory drugs class (referred to as NSAIDS); treatment without the supervision of a veterinarian can cause health complications not limited to intestinal bleeding.
However, there are reputable online companies you can trust, as the FDA points out. First and foremost, a bona fide company will always ask you for a prescription from your veterinarian. To help consumers identify legitimate companies, Veterinary-Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites, or Vet-VIPPS, an arbitrary accreditation program of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy was started in 2009. Although the list of accredited online pharmacies is small, they are well-known. See the set criteria for Vet-VIPPS here.
For a fact sheet from the FDA, click here.
To clear up a possible point of confusion for consumers, The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine regulates animal drugs. However, state pharmacy boards call the shots with regard to the dispensing of prescription veterinary products.
Lorrie Shaw is a dog walker and owner of Professional Pet Sitting, and is a regular contributor to AnnArbor.com's pet section with her blog, More Than Four Walls, where she examines topics ranging from social issues, behavior and, of course, pet health and safety. Reach her via e-mail and follow her on Twitter @psa2
Comments
Sammi
Mon, Nov 22, 2010 : 8:54 p.m.
A good way to get rid of fleas on our babies that is inexpensive and totally safe is diatomaceous earth http://gardenharvestsupply.com/ProductCart/pc/Diatomaceous-Earth-Food-Grade-p39.htm
KathrynHahn
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 11:29 p.m.
Thanks Bunny, I appreciate your input :o)
bunnyabbot
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 11 a.m.
@katheryn, some meds need to be temperature controlled, most over the counter people products will say something like store between 45 and 110 degrees or whatever on the bottle. The problem is you don't know how mail order places are getting drugs shipped to them from suppliers, if they have to sit in customs from US manufacturers etc. OR if they store them properly at their warehouses. Meds at improper temps can break down and literaly change or become inaffective. Temperatures can fluctuate just being on a plane, cargo holds are generally really cold, or really hot. Additionally some places may repackage an item or swap out a genaric drug, you just don't know. Call your vet and ask if they will price match, that way they will stand behind the product, maybe even ask your vet flat out if they can do better on the price of the pills since they are costing you three bucks a day. I am sure your vet would rather get some money out of you rather than none from you getting them from someone else.
KathrynHahn
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 2:55 a.m.
I should mention that I scoured over 100 websites, decided they didn't look legit before choosing the pharmacy I did, but even though they are in Canada the drugs are made "elsewhere" Help?
KathrynHahn
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 2:53 a.m.
Unfortunately the meds my dog are on cost.75 a pill here (U.S.) but can be bought through Canada for.26 a pill. Considering she takes 4 pills a day, that's more than an investment, it's a big percentage of my income! I tried some of the links above and saw listings for some places to contact, is there a link where I can put in the name of the pharmacy I use and see if it's accredited? They do require a prescription, and they have both the manufactured on and expiration dates clearly marked. I'm not going to take chances on my fur-baby's health, but don't want to go broke caring for her either!
bunnyabbot
Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 1:58 p.m.
shaggy, I hope you have a furmigator, it was an expensive tool but it is now the only thing I use on my dog
kissthecobra
Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 12:57 p.m.
bunnyabbot made a great comment and their approach is great in offering their local vet a chance to meet pricing. I should say that I don't get all of my meds online, instead choosing to spread my "wealth" around. As you can imagine, I spend a small fortune on hair care products alone, so I do have to watch the budget.
bunnyabbot
Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 12:14 p.m.
do what I did, I called my Vet and asked them if they could price match the online companies price for the same product, answer was yes, I just had to print off the online info (with shipping costs) and bring it in to the Vets office. Doctors Foster & Smith did have the best price (with free shipping!). My vet didn't make the same mark up but they still made money and I got the product that had been stored properly etc etc best part is I saved $$$ while still supporting my own vet.
Lorrie Shaw
Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 9:04 a.m.
Great way to put that, Mary. It's true... an "investment". And when we get a pet, we take on that responsibility of caregiver, so being knowledgeable about what is going *into* their bodies is important. Shaggy77: Yes, actually that company is on the Vet-VIPPS list. I'm so glad that you've been happy with them. That's important for other consumers to know. One thing that was pointed out after someone had read this, was that one should be concerned with the distributors storage and mailing conditions, as many drugs are temperature sensitive -- more food for thought. I think that taking that into consideration is a crucial point. Thanks for taking the time to comment on this topic!
kissthecobra
Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 8:06 a.m.
I've been using Doctors Foster & Smith in Wisconsin for several years now and they are very reputable and offer excellent service, along with very competitive prices. My prescriptions are on file w/them and refills are requested online, and the medication then arrives via FedEx Ground in about three days after a refill request has been sent. Very easy. It should be noted that a reputable veterinarian will always be willing to give a written prescription to be filled elsewhere. If the vet refuses, you should look for a new vet.
Mary Bilyeu
Sat, Oct 30, 2010 : 7:02 p.m.
True, some of the meds are expensive. But it's less a "cost" and more of an "investment." And it's for furry babies! So this is all excellent to know -- thank you....