A Word of Caution Regarding Internet Pharmacies

Hartwood Animal Hospital offers an in-house pharmacy so you can enjoy these benefits:

The convenience of having prescriptions filled during your visit
High-quality medications guaranteed by the drug manufacturer
A thorough understanding of your pet’s medical history and needs
On-going monitoring of your pet’s health and medications

Television commercials, pet supply catalogs, and Internet pharmacies that promise a “deal” on pet prescriptions may be misleading. The Florida Board of Pharmacy has disciplined Pet Med Express and Savemax Inc. for dispensing drugs not approved by the FDA and contracting of veterinarians to write prescriptions without examining the animal. The companies were fined more than $67,000, placed on probation for 3 years, must perform 200 hours of community service, and must complete continuing-education courses. These are serious violations.

If you purchase prescriptions through such pharmacies, please be aware of these risks:

The drug manufacturer may not guarantee medications.
Some medications may be foreign drugs that may not have the same quality and purity assurance as the United States does. It is generally illegal to dispense foreign drugs in the United States, including foreign versions of U.S. products.
Some medications may be imitations of approved drugs.
Selling prescriptions directly to consumers without a veterinarian-client-patient relationship may pose health risks to patients.

If you wish to fill your pet’s prescriptions elsewhere, Hartwood Animal Hospital will charge a nominal fee of $10 for these services:

Checking your pet’s medical history and confirming that your pet is well enough to take the medication. Weak, sick, or older pets should not take certain medications.
Reviewing your pet’s medical record to ensure that tests are current. For example, your pet needs a heartworm test with negative results before taking a heartworm preventive. Certain arthritis medications also require routine blood tests to check liver function.
Confirming the appropriate dose, how often the medication should be given, and the number of refills.
Recording the prescription in your pet’s medical record so we can carefully monitor its interaction with other medications your pet may be taking.

If you have questions, please ask a Hartwood staff member. We strive to provide the highest quality medications for your pet.

	15 Jewett Lane Fredericksburg, VA 22406 Office 540.286.2855 Fax 540.286.2655 info@hartwoodanimalhospital.com

Home About Us Our Mission Our Logo Services Forms Map Photos Links	A Word of Caution Regarding Internet Pharmacies Hartwood Animal Hospital offers an in-house pharmacy so you can enjoy these benefits: The convenience of having prescriptions filled during your visit High-quality medications guaranteed by the drug manufacturer A thorough understanding of your pet’s medical history and needs On-going monitoring of your pet’s health and medications Television commercials, pet supply catalogs, and Internet pharmacies that promise a “deal” on pet prescriptions may be misleading. The Florida Board of Pharmacy has disciplined Pet Med Express and Savemax Inc. for dispensing drugs not approved by the FDA and contracting of veterinarians to write prescriptions without examining the animal. The companies were fined more than $67,000, placed on probation for 3 years, must perform 200 hours of community service, and must complete continuing-education courses. These are serious violations. If you purchase prescriptions through such pharmacies, please be aware of these risks: The drug manufacturer may not guarantee medications. Some medications may be foreign drugs that may not have the same quality and purity assurance as the United States does. It is generally illegal to dispense foreign drugs in the United States, including foreign versions of U.S. products. Some medications may be imitations of approved drugs. Selling prescriptions directly to consumers without a veterinarian-client-patient relationship may pose health risks to patients. If you wish to fill your pet’s prescriptions elsewhere, Hartwood Animal Hospital will charge a nominal fee of $10 for these services: Checking your pet’s medical history and confirming that your pet is well enough to take the medication. Weak, sick, or older pets should not take certain medications. Reviewing your pet’s medical record to ensure that tests are current. For example, your pet needs a heartworm test with negative results before taking a heartworm preventive. Certain arthritis medications also require routine blood tests to check liver function. Confirming the appropriate dose, how often the medication should be given, and the number of refills. Recording the prescription in your pet’s medical record so we can carefully monitor its interaction with other medications your pet may be taking. If you have questions, please ask a Hartwood staff member. We strive to provide the highest quality medications for your pet.