In a recent study conducted in 2016, it was discovered that 16 out of 400 US adults admitted to using their pets' antibiotics, a practice that is illegal according to US law. The American Pharmacists Association has strongly cautioned against such behaviors, emphasizing the potential harm to individuals.

Brigid Groves, Vice President of the American Pharmacists Association, urged Americans to refrain from taking medication prescribed for animals. She explained that these drugs could contain components that are not intended for human consumption, posing serious health risks. Depending on the specific ingredients, adverse effects such as stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and liver problems could occur, which may lead to hospitalization or even death.

Dr. J Mack, an emergency medicine doctor in Fort Worth, Texas, further highlighted the dangers of self-treating with pet medications. By bypassing medical professionals, patients may not receive the appropriate treatment for underlying conditions. Mack warned that this could be especially problematic if a more serious infection goes unnoticed, potentially triggering a life-threatening reaction known as sepsis.

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Minnesota shed light on the significant cost disparity between prescription pet drugs and their human equivalents. On average, prescription pet drugs were found to cost five times less than medications prescribed for humans. For example, the antibiotic amoxicillin was priced at $2 per pill for dogs, while the same medication cost $10 per pill for those with health insurance and more than $100 for those without insurance. A typical course of antibiotics can span up to 14 days, potentially burdening uninsured patients with a cost of $1,400.

Dr. Arjun Gupta, the physician behind the University of Minnesota research, emphasized the importance of affordable medication prices, particularly in light of the large number of uninsured or underinsured individuals. Gupta stated that pricing should not be exploitative and that cash prices for medications should be accessible to all.

Although human drugs are generally more expensive due to additional regulatory hurdles and specific storage requirements, scientists caution that some pharmaceutical companies inflate prices for human versions, capitalizing on the willingness of people to pay more.

The study also highlighted a concerning trend during the Covid-19 pandemic, where rumors circulated that the horse de-wormer ivermectin could prevent the disease. In August 2021, the CDC reported a drastic surge in prescriptions for ivermectin, increasing twenty-fourfold. However, medical professionals warned against its use, stating that the doses used in studies demonstrating a beneficial effect were far higher than what humans could safely consume. Additionally, poison centers reported a fivefold increase in calls related to the misuse of the drug.

Another alarming example cited in the study was the misuse of the horse tranquilizer Xylazine, or "tranq," which has recently found its way into the illicit drug trade. This dangerous practice demonstrates the potential risks associated with using medications outside of their intended purpose.

The study also noted instances where individuals mistakenly used fish tank cleaner chloroquine after hearing endorsements of hydroxychloroquine as a Covid-19 treatment. Tragically, a couple in Arizona ingested the substance and the man died shortly afterward, while his wife was admitted to the hospital in critical condition. She admitted that she had the substance in her house because of her previous ownership of Koi fish, and mistakenly believed it was the same medication mentioned in media reports.

These incidents serve as a reminder of the crucial importance of adhering to prescribed medications and consulting healthcare professionals. The illegal use of medications intended for animals not only violates US law but also poses significant health risks. Americans are strongly advised to prioritize their health and well-being by only using medications that have been prescribed to them by a qualified physician.