Prescribing, Dispensing and Labelling

Who grants marketing authorisations?

The Veterinary Medicine Directorate

What 3 things must a VM undergo to gain a marketing authorisation?

• Toxicology tests

• Pharmacology tests

• Clinical trials

How regularly are marketing authorisations reviewed?

every 5 years

When are medications exempt from marketing authorisation?

When they are used on animals that will not enter the food chain

What are the qualifications for a medicine to be exempt from marketing authorisation?

• Must only contain approved active ingredients

• Must clearly display that they are marketed under schedule 6

• Must be sold in a pack size suitable for a single course

What are the three stages of prescribing?

• Deciding which treatment a patient requires

• Instructing on the dosing of the product

• Recording the prescription details on the patients record

When is a written prescription needed?

When the drug is not being dispensed by the practice

What is needed in order for a POM-V medication to be prescribed but not for a POM-VPS?

The animal must have had a clinical assessment and be under the care of the veterinary surgeon

Which two drug categories do not need prescription

• AVM-GSL

• NFA-VPS

What three things should be considered before prescribing a medication?

• Can the administering person do so competently

• Have any contra-indications been explained clearly

• Is the amount being prescribed the minimum amount possible

How long are written prescriptions valid for?

up to six months

How long are flea and wormer prescriptions valid for?

up to twelve months

What are the twelve requirements of a written veterinary prescription?

• Name, address and phone number of the prescriber

• RCVS/SQP number of the prescriber

• Name and address of the owner

• Identification of the animal being treated (including species)

• Premises the animal is kept on (if different to owners address)

• Date of the prescription

• Signature of prescriber

• Name and amount being prescribed

• Dosage and administration instructions

• Any necessary warnings

• Withdrawal period is applicable

• If it’s being prescribed under the cascade

What are the six additional prescription requirements for controlled drugs?

• The prescription must be original and signed

• A declaration that the controlled drug is prescribed for an animal under the VS’s care

• The amount being prescribed in words and figures

• The dose to be administered (‘take as directed‘ is not acceptable)

• RCVS number of VS

• “No repeats“

How long are controlled drug prescriptions valid for?

28 days

How can you tell if an online retailer is valid?

It will be accredited by the “Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme“

What are the three options for repeat prescriptions?

• VS makes a note on the clients record that repeat prescriptions are valid within a given time period

• Team member takes the repeat request by the client and sets the medication aside for the VS to authorise

• If the client comes into practice, the VS can authorise repeat prescription over the phone

What 5 things must clients be informed of when medications are being prescribed to them?

• Dose of medication required

• Contra-indications

• Adverse reactions

• storage and handling requirements

• disposal requirements

What three checks should the dispenser be making?

• The qualifications of the prescriber

• If they have the specific medication (only a VS can alter a prescription)

• The identity of the client collecting the prescription

What 7 pieces of information must a label include?

• Name and address of the owner

• Veterinary Practice name and address

• Name of prescribing VS

• The words “for animal use only“ and “keep out of reach of children“

• Date of dispensing

• Dosage and administration requirements

• Withdrawal periods for food producing animals

Define SID, BID and TID

• Once daily

• Twice daily

• Thrice daily