Prescriptions and the Internet

When I graduated from the Brooklyn College of Pharmacy in 1968 and began to practice, the only way a consumer could get a prescription filled was by going to the local, corner drugstore. Since that time, there have been some major changes to the way consumers are able to get prescriptions filled.

The first change to occur was the advent of pharmacy chains whose names we are very familiar with today. The growth of these companies enabled consumers to get prescriptions filled without having to travel great distances to find a pharmacy.

The next change to occur was prescription coverage by insurance companies. Consumers were now able to get their medications (usually a one month supply) at their local pharmacy or, if they wanted to, they could phone in or mail away an order to the insurance company's "mail order pharmacy" to get a larger quantity (usually a three month supply) of medication.

The third change to occur was the advent and proliferation of computers and the creation of the "web". The insurance companies recognized the convenience factor and value of the web and they created web sites for their mail order pharmacies so that their clients, still having the choice to phone or mail in their prescription order, could now go on-line and from the comfort of their home order a refill or a new prescription. It wasn't too long before the major chains created their own internet web sites. Consumers now had a way to buy, by mail order, those items that were carried in the "brick and mortar" store, including their prescriptions, once again, from the convenience of their home. Consumers now had a choice. Go to the store or order on-line.

About 6 or 7 years ago, or so, another change occured. Unfortunately, it was a negative change and it was announced to the public by the introduction of a new type of email called spam. Spam is still with us today. Many of these spam emails had, and still have, links to web sites where you can get practically any type of prescription medication including narcotics and Viagra, without a prescription, simply by filling out a questionnaire on the web site. This type of business, known as an "internet pharmacy" , is for the most part located outside the United States. These businesses are not licensed as pharmacies anywhere in the United States and, therefore, are practicing illegally which has been causing major concern at the FDA and with the various state boards of pharmacy. There's a saying that "if it sounds too good to be true it probably is". These internet pharmacies sound too good to be true in that they offer prescription medications, with no prescription required. However, there's another saying that goes "caveat emptor" meaning let the buyer beware. Why? Because it turns out that the "pills" the consumer receives from these companies often contain none, or at least very little, of the medication they expect. In addition, the "pills" are sent from countries such as Belize or Ghana and often arrive in a plastic baggie with no pharmacy label. Consumers are taking a big risk by purchasing prescription medications from these companies. An internet pharmacy, where prescription medications can be purchased without a prescription, is an illegal entity in the United States.

Some veterinarians have been telling their clients that 1-800-PetMeds is an "internet pharmacy" using that term in the most derogatory way to mean we are not licensed and we carry foreign product.

Lets clear up these misconceptions:

1. 1-800-PetMeds is a mail order pharmacy and is licensed and authorized as a pharmacy in all 50 states. Customers can place orders by calling 1-800-PetMeds or by mailing in their order. 1-800-PetMeds also has an internet site where customers are able to place orders from the convenience of their homes.
2. 1-800-PetMeds only sells FDA/EPA approved medication. 1-800-PetMeds does not sell foreign medications.
3. 1-800-PetMeds will require a prescription from your veterinarian for any medication that requires one.
4. 1-800-PetMeds understands the need for a veterinarian-client-patient relationship to exist in order for a veterinarian to write a prescription.
5. 1-800-PetMeds does not "solicit" prescriptions from your veterinarian.
6. As a licensed pharmacy, 1-800-PetMeds pharmacy staff will gladly call your veterinarian for your prescription. This is not soliciting. This is a professional part of any pharmacy practice just like the pharmacy staff at your pharmacy would call your physician for your medications.
7. 1-800-PetMeds pharmacy staff includes licensed pharmacists and a support staff of pharmacy technicians. A tour of 1-800-PetMeds is available on our web site.
8. Unlike an "internet pharmacy" our pharmacy staff is available to answer questions regarding your pets medications.