Based on reports in major newspapers (e.g. The New York Times), medical journals and the media, we are concerned about the integrity and safety of the medicines that are provided for both human and animal use via internet pharmacies.
Internet pharmacies or catalog companies cannot give any assurance of quality or safety. One cannot be sure of the origin, chain of custody, or proper handling and storage of medicines sold via the internet. Most internet pharmacies do not obtain their drugs directly from the pharmaceutical manufacturers. They get medicines from what are called "buying groups." Buying groups are gray market distributors, and some clinics try to purchase large quantities of medicines at a discount in order to resell to internet pharmacies for a large profit.
What do online pharmacies or catalog companies have to offer? They suggest that they have lower prices, but this is not always the case. Other than prices, they say they are convenient. But we can work with you to achieve the same convenience. For example, we would be happy to mail your pet's medication directly to your home.
Major pharmaceutical companies stand behind their products only if they are dispensed by a licensed veterinarian with a valid doctor-patient-client relationship. For example, if you purchase Heartgard from an internet pharmacy and use it as directed, Merial will not pay for your pet's medical treatment if your dog gets heartworm disease. On the other hand, if your dog contracts heartworm disease while using Heartgard dispensed from a licensed veterinarian, Merial will pay for the treatment. The same policy holds true for all of the drug companies.
While we will be happy to hand write you a traditional prescription for any medication you need for your pet, our practice cannot fax prescriptions, or approve prescriptions over the phone, for internet pharmacies. It is a matter of trust.
Feel free to let us know if you would like your pet's prescriptions mailed directly to your home, and we will be happy set that up for you.
