It seems like online pet pharmacies are everywhere these days promising the lowest prices and convenient ordering. Have you ever wondered how the online pet pharmacies can sell drugs so cheaply, without a prescription, and with the utmost convenience?
The FDA: ‘Be A.W.A.R.E.’ of online pet pharmacies
The truth is that while some online pet pharmacies are reputable resources, there are many that are not. Some are fronts for shady businesses that are breaking the law and selling counterfeit, expired, mislabeled, improperly made/stored, or even fake medications.
The FDA has issued the following guidelines to help you as the consumer be A.W.A.R.E. when thinking about purchasing from these sources:
- A– Ask. You veterinarian probably has experience with some of these and can help you decide what is best for your pet.
- W– Watch. Lookout for red flags such as a pharmacy not requiring a prescription (illegal!), not having a licensed pharmacist available to speak with, no physical business address or contact information, or being based outside of the United States. Also, the pharmacy should be licensed by the State Board of Pharmacy in the state in which the business is based and have a secure website.
- A– Always check for site accreditation. Sites should be Veterinary-Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (Vet-VIPPS) accredited, which ensures that the business is appropriately licensed and are reviewed yearly.
- R– Report. Report problems with medications directly to the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine. Report suspicious pet pharmacy sites as well.
- E– Educate yourself! Do your homework, and buyer beware!
Other risks
When you’re deciding how and where to purchase your pet’s prescriptions, also factor in these considerations when purchasing outside your veterinarian’s office:
- Your veterinarian cannot ensure proper care of your pet when you are giving medications he/she is not aware of. Many medications require screening or monitoring tests to ensure safety. Also, drug interactions can occur when multiple medications are being given. An online pharmacy will often not alert you to these situations.
- If you have a problem with a medication such as a side-effect, an online pharmacy cannot help you to get your pet well again.
- Many drug manufacturers will not honor their product warranties when the drug is purchased outside of a veterinary office.
- Not all pharmacies require a prescription. This is illegal, even if the site has you fill out a questionnaire or complete an online consult. Prescriptions require a physical examination for good reason.
When it comes to your pet’s health, often the rewards do not outweigh the risks. Please use common sense and good judgment when choosing where to purchase your pet’s medications.
At Billings Animal Family Hospital, we offer a full in-house pharmacy as well as a well-regulated online pharmacy for your convenience. We are not able to honor faxed-in prescription requests from other online pharmacies. We require you to pick up a written prescription as we cannot in good faith endorse any sources other than those we provide.
