Warning: Beware Shipping Refrigerated Meds

Like many of us do, I ordered some medications for my flock, some of which needed to be kept chilled.  When they arrived a few days later, they were room temperature.  The ice packs were melted and only one was cool to the touch, and their condensation was leaking out of the cooler I'd paid extra for.  When I told the company I was worried about drugs having been effected, I was told they were only in transit two days so they were fine.  Several days later I received the rest of my order, and one of the refrigerated drugs had been packed with that part of the shipment instead of in the cooler with the ice.  When I again asked the company about this, they told me the drug was fine on the shelf until it was opened.  Since the label only says "store between 36 and 46 degrees F", I got in touch with my vet.

Thank goodness I did!

All these medications are suspect.  Though the company tells me they ship the same way the drugs are shipped to them, drug companies are actually much more meticulous in shipping so that medications arrive chilled.  My drugs all arrived between 70 and 85 degrees, though they are labeled for storage no higher than 45 or 46 degrees, depending on the drug.  And though I was told the one drug was fine on the shelf until opened, further research led me to data that the maximum it is usable out of refrigeration is 7 days.  How long has it been sitting on their shelf?

My problems were with an order from Jeffers.  Since the order I've learned I'm definitely not the first to have trouble with them regarding medication.  I'd like to have known sooner so I could have avoided all this.  They are having me return the medication for a refund, but refuse to return the cost of the shipping. So, I'm out some money, and they're restocking this questionable medicine.

Jeffers isn't the only problem company, but neither is every company a problem.  Watch out for anyone that tells you "don't worry if the ice is melted; it's done its job."  If you know it's too warm when it arrives, don't let customer service convince you otherwise.