Most veterinary antibiotics contain the same generic ingredients as human ones, but that doesn’t mean they’re identical to the ones approved for us. And it certainly doesn’t mean they’re substitutes.

You might be shocked by how many people take veterinary antibiotics. They cite the time, hassle and expense involved in getting a prescription from their physician.

But there are lots of reasons this is a really bad idea. First of all, veterinary medications are usually approved for certain species and may not even be effective in people. Also, drugs for animals may contain components that are dangerous to humans.

But arguably most frightening of all, the lax use of antibiotics outside a doctor’s supervision could set you up for infections with antibiotic-resistant superbugs. That’s a risk no one should be willing to take.