This is actually a topic which came up just recently, fast on the heels
of the related topic on how meds themselves can differ in relation to
how they can be best stored and given. (There are also past posts in
the Archives of the FHL and FML on obtaining meds, and I know for a
fact that there are very useful past posts in the FHL Archives from
pharmacists and pharmacological researchers on care of meds -- for
example, one taught us at the FHL that one of the most common mistakes
made is to put certain types of meds in the refrigerator that should
not go there.)

Anyway, you can find the exchange of info that just began on internet
meds as part of the discussion here:

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/message/4050

and here is some additional info that will help you not get scammed and
your ferrets not be hurt:

Certainly, the experiences and suppliers vary. It's not a one-
description fits all situation, but because there are so many validated
reports of expired meds sold through the internet it is a buyer beware
situation where a person can't just encounter any old internet pharmacy
and assume that quality products are available from it.

Looking for balanced grouping of expert articles which can help people
know limitations, judge options, etc. beyond those in the archives
already for those who might be interested.

By a vet with some things both good and bad in relation to one med
type: http://clevengerscorner.com/column_details.php?topic=20070513

The FDA tells some ways to sort out which ones may be less trustworthy:
http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2006/606_pets.html

Multiple other FDA articles to help you avoid being scammed in relation
to medical products on-line: http://www.fda.gov/buyonline/

Another article by a vet: http://www.kylevet.com/new.cfm

This article on medication recycling is about 11 years old and remember
that some statements may apply more to certain drugs than to others,
but it has points worth consideration:
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1395800
(In the long past the only way we could get one med when it was very
new was for the vet to arrange with a hospital to get dregs from
incompletely used bottles.)

Considerations for establishing an unwanted medication collection  
program:
http://www.pswi.org/government/disposal.pdf
(a further consideration is that some unused and flushed or thrown meds
are harmful to needed and desired aquatic life, some invertebrates, or
become harmful as they sit in waste situations, etc.)

This topic is not a one-size-fits-all one; so all that people can do
is to learn and then make their own choices.

That said, there have been quite a few situations in which expired
meds or sometimes fake meds have been sold through the internet so
the person whose ferrets continue to have fleas does need to take that
into consideration if that was the source.

It is certainly not the only way meds can go bad or be misused. Anyone
might accidently put a med in the fridge that should not be cooled
below a certain point, or expose on to heat that should not be so
exposed (the cause of a major recall in one pharmacy chain last year
when their warehouse for one region messed up), or expose a med to
light that should be exposed, etc. Not all meds with current expiration
dates are in the shape they should be in -- though most are.

Sukie (not a vet)

Recommended ferret health links:
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/
http://www.afip.org/ferrets/index.html
http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/
http://www.ferretcongress.org/
http://www.trifl.org/index.shtml
http://homepage.mac.com/sukie/sukiesferretlinks.html

[Posted in FML 5740]