How do you know if a drug you have given your pet is approved by the regulatory authority? Look at the drug’s label, says the United States Food and Drug Administration.
“All FDA-approved animal drugs have a New Animal Drug Application (NADA) number or, for generic animal drugs, an Abbreviated New Animal Drug Application (ANADA) number,” the FDA says, addressing common pet owner concerns.
In fact, many drug manufacturers list these six-digit NADA or ANADA numbers and state “Approved by FDA,” on the drug’s label, although they aren’t required to do so, it points out. If you don’t see these numbers on the label, most FDA-approved animal drugs are listed in AnimalDrugs@FDA, a searchable online database, it adds. The FDA regulates animal drugs, animal food (including pet food), and medical devices for animals, and conducts research that helps shape regulatory decisions, among other activities.
“If you suspect your animal has had a bad reaction after taking a drug, the first thing to do is to contact your veterinarian immediately,” says FDA veterinarian Carmela Stamper. FDA also encourages pet owners and veterinarians to report adverse drug experiences and product failures to the agency.
“Data from these reports help FDA to keep tabs on product safety and look into potential drug-related problems…,” Stamper notes. Make sure medicines bought online for the pet also have a prescription, the regulator cautions. Prescription drugs require professional veterinary expertise to diagnose the condition being treated, to monitor the response to treatment, and to monitor the patient for signs of adverse reactions.
If the online pet pharmacy tells you that you don’t need a prescription to buy a veterinary prescription drug, it is breaking the law.
In that case, you may want to find another online pet pharmacy to use, it says.
Source: USFDA