Online Pharmacy Warning

02/07/2011

The FDA issued an official consumer alert last month saying that some veterinary online pharmacies are not even legitimate businesses. Furthermore, they have documented various unscrupulous practices relating to the sale of unapproved and counterfeit pet drugs, dispensing without a prescription and the sale of expired drugs by a number of “legitimate” online pet pharmacies. For example, every single state veterinary association in the USA has sued “Pet Med Express” for unscrupulous practices, especially selling prescription products without a valid prescription.

           
The FDA is most concerned about non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and heartworm preventatives dispensed by online pharmacies. Both drugs can be dangerous if given without the involvement of a veterinarian.

           
There are six different NSAID pain relievers approved for veterinary use. They are generally considered safe and effective. However, when used inappropriately they can cause life threatening stomach or intestinal ulcers and/or liver and kidney damage. Certain heartworm preventatives can cause severe endotoxic reactions if given to a patient who has existing heartworm disease. This is why your vet frequently needs to do a heartworm test before prescribing preventatives.

           
On a more practical note, your vet has a vested interest in your pet doing well. He or she makes a living locally and has a reputation to establish and maintain in the community. An online pharmacy simply needs to move product and can do so relatively anonymously on a worldwide scale. We take great pains to see that good medical records are kept for each and every patient we see. We carefully review patient records before dispensing any prescription product and record that product with all the necessary prescription information. If there is a problem with any product we become your advocate in dealing with the drug company. In short, we personally care about your individual pet and maintain professional standards of care.

           
Many veterinary hospitals, including DSAH, will use a reputable online pharmacy that works through the veterinarian to deliver online convenience and home delivery of veterinary prescription products. The pharmacy we use is called Vetcentric®. We will soon have a link on our website that will allow you to request prescriptions through our website. We’re not against all online pharmacies, just the ones that unscrupulously endanger your pets in the name of profit.