Buyer beware

Buyer beware


Online pet medication sites may be convenient and budget-friendly, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, wants you to do your homework before putting dollars down.

While some of these sites are above-board, others have been caught selling unapproved, counterfeit or expired drugs; making bogus claims; or offering prescription drugs without a prescription. Therefore, the drugs they sell might be ineffective or downright dangerous.

So, heed this advice from the FDA. Avoid online sites that sell prescription drugs without a prescription from a veterinarian. Be sure the URL ends in ‘dot pharmacy’, indicating that strict requirements from the Pharmacy Verified Websites Program have been met. Finally, ask your veterinary clinic if they work directly with an internet pharmacy service.

In short, buyer beware — for your pet’s sake.

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