Pet Medications Can Be Faked Too
FDA officials are reminding pet owners to verify their online pharmacy’s authenticity before purchasing heartworm medication for their pets this spring.
With spring comes heartworms, and pet owners now go to purchase the potentially expensive medication necessary for the health of domestic pets. However, unsuspecting consumers could be giving their pets counterfeit medications which will not prevent the disease, warns the FDA.
Dr. Scott Liggett of Flushing Animal Hospital says, “The problem is that a lot of online pharmacies are not selling legitimate product,” reports ABC News.
“If you are buying a heartworm product and they allow you to purchase it without a prescription, it is not a legitimate pharmacy. All heartworm products are prescription products,” Liggett said.
Consumers should look for a Vet VIPPS (Veterinary Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site) certification on the website and requirement to receive a paper prescription for your veterinarian.