Warning – Fake Medication

For many of my readers, a visit to the vet is not a pleasant experience. Our pet is unwell, and when they suffer, so do we. Apart from the anguish we endure, particularly as we know that we can’t explain to our beloved companion why they are suffering, what is also unwelcome is the cost. With vets’ bills spiralling out of control, it is easy to consider shopping online for simple medicines for common issues like worming, flea treatment, special diets, supplements, and other basic remedies. Even prescription medication can be sourced online. Our concerns are understandable, as we all need to look after the pennies, but beware. There is an increasing number of fake products advertised by unscrupulous individuals who care not a jot for your pet’s welfare. The penalty for trying to save money could be a bill for thousands, or even the demise of a pet.

Not all online products are scams, and there are bargains to be had, but some of what is advertised is totally ineffective, and others are even dangerous.

Spotting fakes

When shopping online for pet medicines, we need to know how to spot fakes.

Let’s start with the price. If it’s too good to be true, then it probably is; however, some scammers are aware of that, so they pitch the price closer to what you expect it to be. So price alone is not a guaranteed indication.

There are several ways to spot a fake. Unfortunately, some of these can only be identified when they arrive, and you’ve already paid, but at least you can decide whether it’s safe to administer.

Poor packaging is a huge giveaway. No reputable pharmaceutical company will send out medication in flimsy wrapping that could result in the drug being exposed and damaged.

Take note of the spelling. The issue is that online products are sent to so many different countries with different languages, which sometimes requires different spellings on the label; however, the logo and the product name should stay the same. Another giveaway is that the logo and product name appear slightly distorted, along with obvious spelling mistakes.

Check that the product appears to be as expected, particularly if you have used an identical product from your vet previously. Look for a smell, discolouration or a texture that doesn’t seem right.

No clear directions regarding dosage are another giveaway. Dosage is critical.

Some rogue medicines will be sent out past their expiry date. This is often not checked by the purchaser, as they assume it will be in date, and the absence of an expiry date indicates that the product is either fake or an out-of-date item repackaged. So, if we want reliable veterinary products, what options do we have?

Trusted websites

Most people are unaware that the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is available to everyone. This is a register of UK-based online retailers. It is an Executive Agency for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. (DEFRA)  You can go directly to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate site, and if you feel you need additional confidence, you can access it through the UK Government website.

However, the quickest route is to visit the website directly here: Accredited Internet retailer scheme (AIRS). 

Now, before we all get excited, there are many sites on the register that do not supply any small animal veterinary products. The site meets all requirements, including farm livestock, horses, farm machinery, and more. Some restrict their delivery to the UK, and some to Europe. There may even be some that extend their delivery options worldwide. You will have to look!

Some supply prescription medicine. To take advantage of this service, you need your veterinary surgeon to issue a written prescription, which they are obliged to do in the UK. It is a legal requirement; however, there can be a catch, as I have been informed recently of a case where the cost of a consultation was £26, but for writing the prescription, the fee was another £16, thus any saving by going online was negated by the charge for the prescription. Sites offer de-worming and flea/tick treatments, special diets, plus supplements, amongst the usual pet shop items.  There is a wide variety of sites, and it should be easy to scroll down and find those that meet your requirements.

Nothing is foolproof, and there are never 100% guarantees, but it is a start.

I do not doubt that similar sites are being administered by government agencies in other countries, so it might be worth taking the time to see if there is one in your country.

If you need additional security, some sites are veterinary clinics themselves.

Conclusion

I hate to say this, but the Veterinary profession in the UK could make matters easier for itself. It shouldn’t require a consultation with the vet to obtain medication for worms, fleas, etc., particularly as it is possible to purchase these items online without a prescription. A vet nurse should be able to hand over these without involving a vet, at a competitive price. Here, on the Greek island of Crete, where I live, non-prescription medication is available at the pharmacy, and each cabinet is clearly marked. The majority of pharmacists here are very knowledgeable about veterinary medicines, and, almost without exception, they can fill prescriptions without delay. Even certain pet shops can dispense some restricted medication whilst under the supervision of a veterinary surgeon.