!800 petmeds/my vet

Question
Hello, so the Interceptor heart worm was recalled and I decided to check out 1800Petmeds and my vet said that they are a "black market" for prescriptions for pets. The HeartGuard heart worm preventative through my vet is $80, while the 1800Petmed same product is $38. My vet was telling me that 1800petmed is not a good place and that if we do decide to buy through them, my vet said I have to sign a release through them acknowledging the risk and releasing my vet for liability. I have never heard of this before. Can you tell me if this is common practice with veterinarians? I would also like your perspective and opinion of 1800Petmeds. Thank you, Sincerely, Jared.

Answer
The internet pharmacies do not buy from the manufacturers of the drugs....those companies only sell to practicing veterinarians.  So there is a black market, called drug diversion, and we don't know where these drugs come from, where they have been stored, and if they are about to expire.  There have even been counterfeit drugs found in these internet pharmacies.  So most vets will not support them and if they do, they make you release them from liability if something happens because they wrote you a prescription and there was a reaction.  Many vets will meet internet pharmacy prices or will offer you manufacturers rebates or free goods to get your cost down.  Just ask the vet for a better price.