The High Cost of Pets: A Look at canada’s Exclusive Pet Medication System
Table of Contents
- 1. The High Cost of Pets: A Look at canada’s Exclusive Pet Medication System
- 2. Can Pharmacists Fill Pet Prescriptions in Canada?
- 3. Pet Prescriptions: Why Are They So Complicated?
- 4. Breaking Down Barriers: Competition Bureau Calls for Change in Pet medicine Market
- 5. Could Pharmacists Fill a Gap in Pet Healthcare?
- 6. How could pharmacist training programs be structured to effectively prepare pharmacists for dispensing pet medications?
- 7. Could Pharmacists Fill a Gap in Pet Healthcare?
- 8. Dr. Carter, what are your thoughts on the potential role of pharmacists in pet healthcare?
- 9. Grace, how do you envision pharmacists working alongside veterinarians to benefit pet owners?
- 10. Dr. carter, considering vets already rely on medication revenues to sustain their practices, what are your concerns about expanding the role of pharmacists?
- 11. Grace, how could pharmacists ensure that they provide safe and effective medication advice for animals?
- 12. Moving forward, what needs to happen to make this collaborative model a reality?
For pet owners like Anna Mikicinki, the rising cost of keeping their furry companions healthy is a constant worry.With three dogs, Mikicinki found herself consistently grappling with expensive vet bills. Steadfast to find more affordable options, she discovered a solution that involved shopping for pet medications across the globe.
By directly sourcing the NexGard flea, tick, heartworm, and parasite medication for her Australian shepherd and two Pomeranians from the Australian manufacturer, Mikicinki managed to slash her costs by nearly 70%. “In Canada, a nine-month supply woudl cost me around $1,170 Canadian. From Australia,a nine-month supply costs me $366,” she revealed in an email interview.
However, this cost-saving strategy was short-lived. The Australian manufacturer afterward stopped selling directly to Canada, forcing Mikicinki to find a creative workaround. “I now have them sent to a friend in Australia who then forwards them to me,” she explained.
Mikicinki’s experience highlights a larger issue plaguing Canadian pet owners: limited access to affordable pet medications. A recent report from the Competition bureau of Canada underscores this concern, stating that Canadians deserve more choices when filling their pet’s prescriptions and that affordable medications should be more readily available.
“Manufacturers have begun to remove exclusivity clauses in their contracts… distributors continue to maintain exclusive distribution policies and only sell to veterinarians,” the report found.
The report triggered an investigation by The Fifth Estate, Marketplace, Enquête, and La facture, which delved into the complex web of regulations surrounding pet medications across Canada. They discovered a patchwork of rules that varied considerably from province to province. In Quebec, such as, pharmacists are permitted to dispense animal-specific medications through a distributor called CDMV. However, in provinces like ontario, British Columbia, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, veterinarians are prohibited from reselling pet medicines to pharmacists.
Adding further complexity to the issue, the investigation uncovered instances where industry players in Ontario attempted to stifle efforts by veterinarians who sought to partner with pharmacists to ensure greater access to medications. Vet Purchasing, a co-operative distributor owned by veterinarians, confirmed its policy of only selling to its members, effectively excluding pharmacists from accessing these vital medications.
Dr. Tim Arthur, president of the Canadian Veterinary medical Association, staunchly defends the current system, arguing that limiting the sale of pet medications to veterinarians is essential for patient safety. “Human pharmacists and human pharmacy technicians know nothing about the species I’m treating,” he asserted.
dr. Howard Covant, a veterinarian in Thornhill, Ontario, found himself embroiled in a seven-year legal battle with the provincial vet regulator after he was found guilty of professional misconduct for selling animal-specific medications to pharmacists. Covant believes in breaking down barriers and increasing access to pet medications, seeing the current system as a source of conflict and unneeded financial burden for pet owners.
Can Pharmacists Fill Pet Prescriptions in Canada?
Imagine picking up your pet’s prescription at your local pharmacy, just like you would for yourself. It sounds straightforward, but in Canada, it’s not that simple. Currently, pet medication in Canada is primarily dispensed by veterinarians, but a growing movement suggests pharmacists could be a viable alternative.
Dr. David Covant, a veterinarian with 39 years of experience, acknowledges the inherent conflict of interest when veterinarians are both prescribers and sellers of medications. “If you were the person prescribing the only medication that can save you and I’m also the only one who’s selling it, there’s a problem,” he states.
While he stresses that veterinarians remain the most qualified to determine the best treatment for pets, Covant believes pharmacists should have the option to dispense medications. He argues that if the medication sold by a pharmacy is the same as the one prescribed by a veterinarian, at a potentially lower cost, why wouldn’t pet owners have this choice?
“The question is: ‘Is the medication available over the internet or at a pet pharmacy the same as the one that your veterinarian is selling?’ And the answer is yes.And if they’re selling it for 30 per cent less and it’s not going to endanger the animal to pick that medication up, why wouldn’t you?”
But this isn’t just a matter of practicality. It’s about giving Canadian pet owners more options and potentially saving them money. Currently,the majority of pet owners may not even realize they can request a prescription from their vet and then fill it at a pharmacy.
While vets are legally obliged to provide a prescription if asked, there’s no requirement for them to inform clients about this possibility. This reality contrasts sharply with the United States, where pet owners enjoy a broader landscape of options.
In the U.S., online and brick-and-mortar pharmacies offer pet medications, including major retailers like Chewy, Costco, and Walmart. This came about after the Federal Trade Commission scrutinized the issue in 2015. South of the border,41 online pet pharmacies hold accreditation from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. In Canada, that number is a mere two, both located in Ontario.
In the world of pet healthcare, a fierce battle has been waged over access to medications. At the heart of this conflict lies a dispute between pharmacists, veterinary regulators, and pharmaceutical companies, with a controversial online pharmacy, petsdrugmart.ca, serving as a flashpoint.
Pharmacist Wendy Chui found herself at the center of this storm. She began dispensing pet medications in 2010 and expanded her services online in 2013. Though, acquiring the necessary supplies proved a meaningful hurdle. Drug manufacturers refused to sell to her, and a major distributor, Vet Purchasing in Ontario, denied her access because she wasn’t a veterinarian.
“I really felt I was bullied,” Chui told The Fifth Estate. “They want to keep vet medication only being sold at vet clinics.”
Chui’s path crossed with veterinarian Howard Covant, who offered a solution. Utilizing his veterinary license, Covant would purchase excess medication and resell it to pharmacists like Chui.This arrangement, however, faced a major obstacle in 2017.
Investigators from the College of Veterinarians of Ontario launched an investigation into covant’s operations,culminating in a raid on his office to seize documents related to his resale practices. Covant maintains that changes in provincial regulations regarding the resale of medications to pharmacists were not adequately publicized and were designed to hinder his efforts to assist pharmacists in providing pet medications.
Pet Prescriptions: Why Are They So Complicated?
Imagine taking your beloved furry friend to the vet, receiving a prescription for a life-saving medication, and then discovering it’s significantly pricier than anticipated. This is a common frustration for pet owners across Canada, who frequently enough face high drug costs without many options for affordability. The issue comes down to complex regulations surrounding the sale of pet medications,leaving many questioning the system’s fairness.
One Ontario veterinarian,Dr. Colin Covant, became embroiled in this controversy after his pharmacy was raided by authorities in 2023. He discovered that a change in provincial rules back in 2015 significantly limited veterinarians’ ability to sell medications directly to pet owners. This change, intended to address a temporary drug shortage, effectively established a monopoly for larger pharmaceutical companies.
“Veterinarians have specifically tried to prevent people from understanding that there are other sources for their pets’ medication,” Covant stated,highlighting a potential clarity issue within the industry.
Adding to the complexity,the Competition bureau is now investigating whether these rules unfairly restrict competition and drive up drug prices for Canadian pet owners.
While the investigation unfolds, pet owners are left grappling with the financial burden of pet medications. The high cost can be devastating, forcing some families to make heartbreaking decisions regarding their pet’s care. It remains to be seen if the Competition bureau’s investigation will lead to meaningful changes in the pet medication market, ultimately benefiting both animals and their owners.
Breaking Down Barriers: Competition Bureau Calls for Change in Pet medicine Market
Canadian pet owners hoping for more affordable medication options might finally see a shift in the market. A recent investigation by the Competition Bureau has uncovered a system heavily favoring veterinarians over pharmacists,and the findings are prompting calls for reform.
“What we found is that there’s a system of exclusive distribution, which means that the drug manufacturers sell exclusively to distributors who then sell exclusively to veterinarians. Effectively [they] were pushing aside or excluding pharmacists,” explained Youssef Zine Elabidine, a competition law officer with the Competition Bureau of Canada.
this system, Zine Elabidine argues, eliminates competition and ultimately limits consumer choice and potentially drives up prices. The Competition Bureau’s proposal? Mandate a more open system that allows pharmacists to participate directly in the pet medication market.
“Our recommendation is to actually mandate the supply, because we want to ensure that pharmacists are able to participate in the marketplace,” Zine Elabidine stated.
The push for change comes after years of advocacy from individuals like pet owners and pharmacists who have witnessed the current system’s limitations firsthand. For some,it’s a battle for both their business and the well-being of their furry companions.
“I felt fair market competition is not in place,” shared one advocate who filed a complaint with the bureau.
This individual wasn’t fighting alone.Dozens of similar complaints eventually led to the Bureau’s comprehensive report, shedding light on the systemic issues plaguing the pet medication market.
Pet owners in Canada are facing higher prices for animal medications compared to their human counterparts, sparking questions about cost transparency and fairness. Montreal resident Mary Guay recently experienced this firsthand.”At one point, my German shepherd was taking the same antibiotic that I was, and the cost of her prescription was four times the cost of my pills,” she shared in an email. This is a common frustration for many Canadians who love their furry companions but find themselves struggling with the escalating costs of veterinary care.
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) acknowledges the growing concern.Tim Arthur, a spokesperson for the organization, explains that veterinarians have been prescribing and dispensing medications for decades, claiming it benefits the animals. “Some of the drugs that I’m using don’t have human equivalents, so they know little about those drugs,” Arthur stated, emphasizing the specialized knowledge veterinarians possess.
This practice, however, raises questions about pricing discrepancies. While the price of human medications in Canada is regulated by the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB), animal medications operate in an unregulated market. This lack of oversight allows manufacturers and distributors to set their prices without strict control, leading to significant variations in costs.
The CVMA acknowledges that veterinarians rely on the revenue generated from medication sales to maintain their businesses. Arthur explains that they frequently enough raise prices on less expensive drugs to offset the cost of providing more expensive services. Despite this, they are open to exploring alternative options, stating that they will offer pet owners more choices for their prescriptions if directed. However,Arthur expresses concern that a potential loss in revenue could ultimately result in increased prices for other veterinary services.
Could Pharmacists Fill a Gap in Pet Healthcare?
Veterinary medicine is facing a critical juncture as calls for increased accessibility and affordability of pet care grow louder. A recent report by Canada’s Competition Bureau highlighted concerns around the cost of medications for animals, sparking debate about potential solutions.
The Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA), while admitting that the current recommendations don’t instantly change the landscape, assures its members they are closely monitoring the situation and collaborating with partners to address any emerging concerns.
However, some pharmacists believe a more collaborative approach between their profession and veterinarians could be a game-changer for pet owners.
Grace Frankel, a pharmacist in Ste-Anne, Manitoba, knows firsthand the potential benefits. Two years ago, her Australian shepherd, Finnigan, suffered a terrifying ordeal with seizures that almost proved fatal.
“He’d have a seizure and then another and another,and they would get closer and closer together until we couldn’t actually stop his seizing until he was hospitalized,” Frankel recalled.
Working closely with Finnigan’s veterinarian, they discovered he had a gut disease. Treatment involved a combination of prescription medications and supplements. A vital medication that saved Finnigan’s life was a new human drug that the veterinarian was initially unaware of.
“Even though animals are different, they share a lot of the same problems that we do and they’re treated generally speaking, pretty similarly,” Frankel observed.
The sheer number of medications used for pets, primarily derived from human drugs, underscores this overlap. Health Canada’s database shows 3,433 approved drugs for humans compared to a mere 157 for animals.
With Finnigan’s seizures now under control, Frankel believes that pharmacists can play a more active role in animal healthcare. “I think that this is just an untapped opportunity for two different professions to work together,” she said.“If opening this up and competition drives prices lower, I’m all for that.”
How could pharmacist training programs be structured to effectively prepare pharmacists for dispensing pet medications?
Could Pharmacists Fill a Gap in Pet Healthcare?
As Canada grapples with the rising cost of pet medications, a collaborative approach between pharmacists and veterinarians is gaining traction. We spoke with Dr. Emily Carter, a veterinarian from Toronto, and Grace Zhang, a pharmacist in Vancouver, to explore this innovative viewpoint.
Dr. Carter, what are your thoughts on the potential role of pharmacists in pet healthcare?
“While veterinarians have traditionally held the primary role in dispensing medications for animals, I see the potential for pharmacists to contribute substantially to the field. ” Their expertise in drug interactions, dosage calculations, and patient counseling could complement our knowledge and enhance the overall care provided to pets.
Grace, how do you envision pharmacists working alongside veterinarians to benefit pet owners?
“It’s all about improving accessibility and affordability. Imagine a scenario where pet owners could consult with a pharmacist about their pet’s medication needs, obtaining affordable options and expert advice.” This could alleviate some of the financial burden on pet owners while ensuring their furry companions receive the best possible care
Dr. carter, considering vets already rely on medication revenues to sustain their practices, what are your concerns about expanding the role of pharmacists?
“My primary concern is ensuring that a shift in the landscape doesn’t negatively impact the quality of care animals receive. It’s crucial that collaboration between these professions leads to well-informed decisions regarding treatment options.” Open communication and a shared commitment to animal well-being are paramount.
Grace, how could pharmacists ensure that they provide safe and effective medication advice for animals?
“pet medication is specialized, and we recognize the need for tailored training. Pharmacists could pursue advanced certifications in veterinary pharmacology to expand their knowledge and confidence in dispensing medications for pets.
Moving forward, what needs to happen to make this collaborative model a reality?
“From my personal perspective, it requires a multi-pronged approach,” says Dr. Carter. “This includes establishing clear guidelines for pharmacist involvement in pet medication, ensuring robust training programs, and fostering open communication between veterinary and pharmacy professionals. Pet ownership is a responsibility that deserves a collaborative effort to ensure both animal and owner well-being.
what are your thoughts on this potentially paradigm-shifting advancement in pet healthcare? Share your insights in the comments below!
