Compounded Medications for Pets
An inner ear disturbance or the loss of fur, from either a chronic medical condition or a skin allergy, are two conditions that may require a veterinarian's care and a couple of doses of medication. Some medicines aren't commercially available or do not come in a form that can be adequately administered to a pet. In a situation like this, your dog's veterinarian may prescribe compounded medication.
What Is a Compounded Medication and Is It Safe?
FDA approved drugs are tested rigorously, prior to being deemed safe and effective to treat an ailment. In many cases, there will be either mild or moderate side effects that one can expect to experience, after receiving a dosage of a medication. With compounding, one or more FDA approved drugs will be manipulated to provide a unique treatment for a specific patient.
Medicine can be modified by blending two components, diluting one specific type of medication, flavoring a medicine, or changing the form of a medication. Say that your pet dog is old and has an underlying condition, which would make it potentially harmful to administer a medication intravenously. Your vet may recommend a compounded medication if they are confident that your pet will benefit from the medicine, but will require a lower dosage that can be applied topically or that can be transformed into a liquid that your pet can drink.
A veterinarian will not resort to a compounded medication unless there is no other viable and safe way to administer a medication or if a medication needs to be weakened or strengthened. The efficacy of a compounded medication and potential side effects will be assessed thoroughly, prior to your pet receiving a compounded treatment. This may put your mind at ease, knowing that your pet's veterinarian is looking out for your pet's best interests.
Will You Need to Administer the Medication?
In some states, compounded medications can only be administered via a licensed veterinarian. If you live in a state with this mandate, the treatment will be performed during an office visit and you won't leave with any medication.
For a state that allows a pet owner to acquire a compounded medication, such as a topical cream, you can have the prescription filled and will be provided with information about how to administer the product. Your vet will let you know what to expect once your pet has received the medicine. Later, they will likely perform a follow-up assessment to determine if your pet's ailment is improving.
Learn more by contacting compounded pet medication services.