>[Moderator's note: Advantage and Frontline, as far as I know, are sold >primarily through vets only due to manufacturer's policy. They are not >classified as drugs, thus they do not *legally* require a perscription. >The idea is that for best results vets should explain proper use to >clients. That being said, I have seen both sold over-the-counter and/or >mail order. BIG- I believe that you are correct about Advantage and Front-line being primarily sold through vets due to manufacturer's policy. In fact, although I can't find my notes on it, I also believe that the State of Florida (I am not sure on that) has a lawsuit pending against the manufacturers and maybe the Florida Chapter of the AVMA for having a monopoly (ie, only vets can sell these products). Does anyone know anything about this? It is interesting that this lawsuit is pending (if I remember correctly) when anyone can get the product OTC and/or through mail order. Are there any requirements (other than money) to buy these drugs OTC or MO. I did a little searching and it does appear that you can buy these products (as well as some vaccines, but not rabies fortunately) over the internet. Some of these practices seem questionable from a legal point of view. If anyone wants more information about fleas, this site seems well run and very accurate: http://www.vetmed.iastate.edu/units/vth/noxon/flea.html Some more interesting information, which also indicates that Advantage and Front-line are prescription only (although you can't believe everything you read on the internet) can be found: http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/Entomology/extension/Current/Flea.html Some of the confusion that comes with these products (and lack of legal enforcement concerning their distribution) may occur because pesticides (like these) are actually regulated by the EPA, but they are being used as veterinary drugs (regulated FDA or USDA) - I hope that I have this correct. Either way, it does appear that you can get these products and others OTC and by MO which I frankly don't understand. >So, my question is: if something isn't labelled as a drug, can use still >be considered extra-label? BIG] As far as drug and extra-label, perhaps I should have written "extra-label" to IMPLY that it hadn't been tested on ferrets (only on dogs and cats). I still can't tell whether or not these products are legally considered drugs. I will ask one of my professors about these questions next time I see him, he is a DVM and a JD who specializes in these sorts of things. -Sean (still much to learn) ****************************** Sean D. Sawyer V'00 University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine [log in to unmask] ****************************** [BIG replies: No requirements other than money. A look pet food store sells it over the counter and many places (e.g. KV Vet supply) sell it by mail to consumers. Kinda the same way some stores will sell Hills "Prescription" Diets -- technically they are not classified as drugs and some stores have a source for them. Regarding the drug vs pesticide question: they are classified as pesticides. I believe the manufacturers of the respective products were racing to be the first in the market and it was quicker to get EPA registration than FDA approval. Since the products aren't absorbed through the skin they could get away with it. This is my understanding, anyhow. OK, back to lurking... I don't usually comment much directly to FML (unless it's to defend chocolate ;-)) Don't know why I picked up on this thread... don't even have fleas... unless the neighborhood strays are visiting. BIG] [Posted in FML issue 2503]