Changes to Prescribing Guidelines from 1st of September 2023
August 31, 2023
From 1st September 2023 some new guidance from the RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons – our governing body) comes into effect. It is important that you understand how these changes may affect you.
Key changes:
Vets will no longer always need to carry out a physical examination to take an animal ‘under their care’ and prescribe prescription only veterinary medicines (POM-Vs). The examination may take place virtually (via video or telephone consultation) rather than in person.
EXCEPTIONS to this are if:
- a notifiable disease is suspected
- antibiotics are required
- controlled drugs e.g. phenobarbitone are required (unless in exceptional circumstances)
- anti-parasitics (flea and worm treatments), antivirals, antifungals are required
NB: If the vet is unable to safely and accurately select the correct medication required on the basis of a virtual consultation then you will be invited to attend the practice.
How does this affect you?
1) A prescription for flea and worm treatment will be available for your pets for 12 months from the date of the consultation when the treatment is prescribed. Should you wish to change this treatment during the 12 month period, a repeat physical examination will be required. Please note, we may not dispense 12 months worth of treatment but you will be able to request more as needed over the following 12 months via our repeat prescription service.
We recommend always ordering your flea and worming treatments in advance via our website to ensure a vet is available to dispense them. We may not be able to dispense in branch without prior notice.
2) You will be able to use our video consulting service to obtain medication for minor conditions without seeing the vet in practice. Prescribing will be at the vet’s discretion based on the condition being treated. Antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, anti-parasitics, and controlled drugs CANNOT be obtained via this route.
3) A physical consultation (usually every 3 months) will be required to obtain controlled drugs such as phenobarbitone.
Repeat medications can be ordered in advance via our website.
