With the increasing popularity of internet commerce, it is not surprising to find exponential growth of veterinary internet pharmacies. However, it is important that the consumer is informed of the risks involved with purchasing essential medications from an unknown source.

Of foremost importance, the consumer must understand that the makers of Interceptor, Heartgard, Frontline, and the rest do not supply product to most of these pharmacies. No "chain of custody" for the product can be proved. For that reason, all involved should be a little wary of the product being dispensed. There have been situations of expired, repackaged, or even counterfeit product dispensed over the internet.  

The obvious motive for internet commerce is to get a better deal. However, recent accounting research shows that when all factors (such as veterinary rebates, free packaged doses, and shipping from internet pharmacies) are taken into account, there generally is often little price difference. In fact, in many cases, on a per dose basis, most medication is actually less expensive when purchased from the veterinarian.

Also, it is imperative that the consumer know that the manufacturer absolutely does not stand behind any product not dispensed through a licensed veterinarian. In other words, in the unlikely event your pet has a reaction to the product, or gets a heartworm infestation while on the medication, the manufacturer will not be able to help with treatment, diagnostics, or whatever medical care it may need.

Finally, not all internet pharmacies have the approval of the United States Food and Drug Administration, which is considered to be the major authority in governing the quality of pharmaceuticals developed, marketed, and dispensed. Midway is justifiably reluctant to authorize prescription requests to pharmacies not approved by the FDA. Many of these pharmacies process orders by requesting the veterinarian sign a faxed sheet of paer and send it back to them. Understandably, the veterinarians at Midway choose not  to place their signatures, licence number, or any other sensitive information and give to unknown sources.

We hope this page has been informative. Clients still interested in purchasing from non-veterinary sources can request a written prescription from the veterinarian which can, if approved,  be picked up at our office. As with anything, we recommend a “Buyer Beware” attitude, and suggest the owner do a lot of research before treating their pet with non quality guaranteed medication.