This just happened and it is a great example of why people need to deal with a local pharmacist for their pets.

We have a client with a dog that has respiratory problems.  The dog coughs horribly and after some trial and error found a compound that helps.  The drugs is called aminophylline and we compound it into a flavored suspension.  His dog has been taking it since November 2007.

The owner was filling it regularly for his pet and called me 2 weeks ago about a problem.  He told me the new refill was causing his dog to vomit.  I pulled both logs and verified the drugs and measurements.  Both logs were identical.  The only diference was the size of the bottle.  The prior refill was for 30 ml and the new refill was for 60 ml. 

As a precaution, I re-compounded it for him. The owner came in to pick up the replacement and we had a conversation.

The owner was describing the problem he was having with the pet.  We also discussed some verbal changes in dose that had been made by the veterinarian.  After careful review, I determined that the dog was exhibiting some signs of drug toxicity.  I referenced the Plum Veterinary Drug Handbook with the client and we both referenced the adverse effects of the drug and the recommendation for appropriate monitoring.

I advised he call the vet immediately to discuss the adverse reaction and need for a theophylline blood level.   The office scheduled the test for a later time and verbally reduced the dose.  The dog is doing much better.

Here’s the point:

What if this client had been buying the aminophylline from an Internet pharmacy?

What if this client did not have a personal face-to-face consultation with a registered pharmacist that takes the time to research a problem such as this one?

What if the client had assumed that the drug was not causing this reaction because he had been maintained on it for months?

His dog may have ended up with a life-threatening toxic reaction.

Clients need to realize that they are not just investing in a drug in a bottle.  The compounded medicine should be packaged with the pharmacist’s expertise.  They need that personal interaction.  The doctor-patient-pharmacist Triad relationship should never be broken.  Internet pharmacies often break this Triad relationship.  People need to use appropriate caution.

To Your Health

Allen J. Bunn, R.Ph.

Bunn Compounding & Nutrition Center

Hours:  M-F 9-5 Wed 9-6:30 Sat 9-12 Sun Closed

www.oldetymepharmacy.com