Frontline Plus is a popular product for treating or preventing fleas and ticks on pets. The Environmental Protection Agency warns pet owners to be wary of counterfeit items. Counterfeiters import and package fake products to look like the real thing. The packaging used for counterfeit Frontline Plus may be inadequate and missing instructions. In addition, using fake Frontline products on a dog or cat may have negative consequences, since there is no guarantee that the product is the correct type or dosage. Recognizing fake Frontline Plus products may save your pet.
Compare the lot number on the carton to the numbers on individual applicators and on the applicator package. The numbers should match.
Look for the instruction booklet. Real boxes of Frontline Plus will contain one; counterfeit ones may not. According to the EPA, instruction booklets in genuine product boxes contain directions for use, storage instructions, disposal instructions, warnings for pets and pet owners, first aid information and emergency telephone numbers.
Verify that the applicator package is child-resistant. The statement, "To remove applicator, use scissors or lift and remove plastic tab to expose foil, then pull down," should appear along with an illustration of the package.
Compare the applicators. If you've used Frontline Plus before, you can compare the new product with the old. Another option is to check the EPA's website for examples. Make sure the packaging looks the same.
Examine the individual applicators. The labels on each should include the following information: Merial, followed by the product name; the EPA registration number; amount of the product in fluid ounces; the percentage of fipronil and (S)-methoprene; and a statement warning that you should keep the Frontline Plus out of children's reach. It should also recommend that you look at the full label for more instructions. All writing on the Frontline Plus should be in English.
Tips
Purchase Frontline Plus from a veterinarian to avoid counterfeit products.
Frontline Plus for dogs should indicate the size of the dog for which it's intended on the label of the applicator.
Warnings
Genuine Frontline Plus boxes do not include an expiration date; a box that does is fake.
Before disposing of fake Frontline Plus, contact your nearest solid waste agency for instructions.
If your pet has an adverse reaction to a counterfeit flea and tick product, contact your veterinarian and the National Pesticide Information Center.
