Unapproved Pet Medications Are No Bargain—Here’s Why

Your pet’s health and well-being are paramount, and when it comes to managing serious conditions like idiopathic epilepsy and seizures, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Recently, the FDA issued warnings to six online sellers of unapproved drugs that claim to treat or control seizures in dogs and cats. This serves as an urgent reminder for pet owners to exercise caution when purchasing medications.

Why Unapproved Medications Are a Problem

Unapproved medications lack rigorous testing for safety, quality, and effectiveness. Without these safeguards, there’s no way to guarantee that the medication will work as intended—or that it won’t cause harm. For pets with conditions like idiopathic epilepsy, using substandard drugs without a prescription could lead to poor seizure control, worsening symptoms, or even life-threatening side effects.

The Risks of Buying from Unregulated Sellers

Unapproved sellers often market their products online, making them seem convenient or affordable. However, these products can:

  • Contain incorrect dosages
  • Be contaminated or expired
  • Lack the active ingredients your pet needs

Trust Veterinarians and Licensed Pharmacies

Veterinarians and licensed pharmacies provide a critical safety net for pet medications. They ensure:

  • Every medication has been prescribed for a specific animal patient
  • Medications meet strict quality standards
  • Dosages are tailored to your pet’s needs
  • Any potential drug interactions are carefully monitored

By working with professionals, you safeguard your pet’s health and well-being.

How You Can Protect Your Pet

To avoid the dangers of unapproved drugs:

  1. Always consult your veterinarian for prescriptions.
  2. Use pharmacies that are accredited by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) or Veterinary-Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (Vet-VIPPS).
  3. Check if a product is FDA-approved for use in animals:  The label will state: “Approved by FDA under NADA # XXX-XXX” or “Approved by FDA under ANADA # XXX-XXX.”  If the product does not bear one of these statements then the product is not FDA approved for use in animals.
  4. Check the FDA’s website for approved medications and warnings about unapproved products.

Your pet relies on you to make informed choices about their health. By purchasing medications only from trusted sources, you ensure they receive safe, effective, and reliable care.

For more information, read the FDA’s latest warning: FDA Update on Seizure Drugs for Animals.