There are ads everywhere that you look in the pet industry for low cost prescriptions filled through online services. This can lead to confusion over products, dosing, and treatment plans for your pet. Whenever possible, it is best to purchase your pet’s medications directly from your veterinarian or from a reputable pharmacy that your vet can recommend.
Why is it cheaper to purchase from online pharmacies?
Online pharmacies are able to provide a lower cost to their customers by leveraging their ability to purchase in bulk and taking advantage of specific company rebate programs. This is a typical cost savings approach in any business. However, when it comes to medications, the same rules do not apply.
What you most likely DON’T know
Almost every FDA approved pet medication is made by a pharmaceutical company that works exclusively with veterinarians – they will not sell their product to ANY other company including licensed pharmacists. This means that virtually every medication sold through an online pharmacy has obtained their products in a questionable manner. Typically, they are purchased through several veterinary hospitals in large quantities and resold through their central warehouse. The risks the consumer takes without even realizing it can be very serious.
Risks
1. Once the medication has been shipped to the online pharmacy, there is no guarantee that the products are handled appropriately. For example: some drugs are light or temperature sensitive. If the product sits in transit and exposed to extreme temperatures, the medication you are purchasing can loose all efficacy.
2. Most manufacturers will NOT honor their guarantee if the product is not purchased through a veterinarian. This could have more far reaching effects than the cost of the medication. For example, if your dog gets heartworm disease while on a monthly preventative, the company will not reimburse you for the medication or any of the costly treatments required to save your dog. Not only is heartworm treatment costly (average $1000), it can cause serious side effects and make your dog feel very ill.
3. There have been reported cases of counterfeit medications sold through some online pharmacies. This was discovered through direct product testing. In some cases the “medication” was no more than saline and sugar.
The desire to purchase any product for a discount is entirely understandable. When it comes to medications though, the discount is not worth the safety and comfort of your pet. Talk to your veterinarian about cost concerns and develop a plan together. If you live in or near the Anaheim area, visit Yorba Regional Animal Hospital – Yorbaregionalvets.com. This AHAA certified Veterinary Clinic provides a wide variety of services including their own online pharmacy.
