Counterfeit Pet Medications
APPOINTMENTUse caution when buying medications online.
Not all online pharmacies are equal! Some online pharmacies sell counterfeit and/or questionable medications. Please take the time to read through the information below to ensure you are buying legitimate medications for your pet. As always, if you have any questions or are concerned a prescription you received may be counterfeit, please contact us and we will assist you.
What is the issue with counterfeit medications?
Counterfeit products are not regulated and can contain different ingredients, may be expired, and may not be medication at all. These counterfeit products can look almost identical to the original medication. Counterfeit products vary from ineffective (putting your pet at risk for preventable diseases such as heartworms or fleas) to toxic (death has occurred in some cases). If you receive a medication in packaging that looks tampered with or unofficial, don’t give it.
We always recommend buying medications directly from a veterinary clinic. If online is the only option, you can visit our trusted online pharmacy here: https://perryvillepet.vetsfirstchoice.com/
What are some frequently counterfeited medications?
We find commonly counterfeited medications include but are not limited to:
- Heartworm preventative
- Flea and tick preventative
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs — such as Rimadyl (carprofen), Deramaxx (deracoxib), Previcox (firocoxib), or Metacam (meloxicam)
Red flags that an online pharmacy may send counterfeit products





How can I tell if my pet's medication is counterfeit?








In the USA, weights listed should always be labeled as pounds with a decimal point in the weight if applicable.

Most reputable flea/tick/heartworm preventative products have an FDA Approved statement or an EPA Reg number.





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Tips for ordering medications online safely:
If you have any doubt about the legitimacy of a pharmacy/product, contact us!
Be aware of red flags. Does the online pharmacy have contact information available? Do they not require a prescription for the medication? Are their prices too good to be true?

Animal Emergency Clinic of Rockford
7145 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, IL 61107
Click here to visit the website.
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Weekends: Friday 6:00 pm till Monday 8:00 am
Open 24 hours on all major holidays

Poison Control
**Important info to have ready: Name of the toxic substance, amount ingested or exposed to, the weight of your pet, any medications that your pet is taking & Credit Card for the consult fee.
ASPCA Poison Control Center – 888-426-4435 OR their website: ASPCA Poison Control
Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661
