Horse owners and trainers are being warned about the use of knock-off drugs and compounded products that may be very different from brand-name drugs or drugs that are compounded by a professional pharmacy that controls the quality, purity, and potency of the ingredients used.
When horse owners attempt to save money by using drug products that have not been carefully compounded by professional pharmacists, that may not contain the ingredients named in the packaging, and that may vary in active ingredients from dose to dose the results can be harm to horse health.
The drug omeprazole is an example of a horse drug that can often be purchased in a so-called generic form at a lower price. Unfortunately research has shown that the quality, efficacy, and bioavailability of these products may be inhibited and the formulations may be inconsistent and unstable.
If not compounded properly, the drug can be poorly absorbed and therefore not treat the ulcer problem for which the drug is being given. As a result, the horse will continue to suffer pain and side effects of ulcers, colic, poor appetite, changes in eating habits, and general poor performance.
Veterinarians are responsible for what they dispense and usually insist on using drugs that have met the hurdles to get FDA approval. Horse owners can save themselves both time and money by using products that are known to heal, treat and prevent recurrence of health problems in horses.