From the Research
Cerenia (maropitant) cannot be ordered at CVS pharmacy because it is a veterinary medication that requires a prescription from a veterinarian. CVS primarily dispenses human medications, not veterinary drugs. Cerenia is specifically designed to treat and prevent vomiting in dogs and cats, and it works by blocking neurokinin receptors in the brain that trigger vomiting 1. To obtain Cerenia, pet owners should consult with their veterinarian who can provide a prescription that can be filled at a veterinary clinic, specialty pet pharmacy, or online veterinary pharmacy. Some pet stores with pharmacy services like PetSmart (with Banfield Pet Hospital) or Petco (with veterinary services) may also dispense veterinary medications. If you need an anti-nausea medication for a pet, contacting your veterinarian directly is the appropriate first step rather than attempting to obtain it through a human pharmacy like CVS. The most recent study on maropitant, published in 2022, evaluated the efficacy of transdermal administration of maropitant in managing vomiting in cats, and found it to be an efficient alternative to existing oral medication 2. However, this does not change the fact that Cerenia is a veterinary medication that requires a prescription from a veterinarian and cannot be ordered at CVS pharmacy. Other studies have also demonstrated the efficacy and safety of maropitant in preventing emesis in dogs 3, 4, 5. But again, these studies do not support the idea that Cerenia can be ordered at CVS pharmacy. In real-life clinical practice, it is essential to prioritize the health and well-being of pets by following the appropriate channels for obtaining veterinary medications. Therefore, pet owners should always consult with their veterinarian before attempting to obtain any medication, including Cerenia.