Prescribing medicines – New Guidance from the RCVS
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Prescribing medicines – New Guidance from the RCVS

From 1st September 2023, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is introducing new guidance on prescribing prescription-only medicines. The full guidance can be found on: https://www.rcvs.org.uk/…/advi…/under-care-new-guidance/

The new guidance requires that a physical examination of the pet has to be performed every time any antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals and prescription anti-parasiticides are prescribed. This includes topical preparations such as ear and eye drops, and all prescription flea/worm/tick products.

Our practice cares about the impact of the prescription medicines on the environment and we always seek to care for our world.  We are concerned about the global impact of the medicines we choose and resistance to antibiotics.  Also, we all need to protect our insect life, especially the pollinators, which help our crops and fruit and vegetables to grow.

The RCVS has formulated new guidelines with this in mind.

 

What Does this Mean for Your Pet?

What this means is that your pet will need to come in for an in-person consultation every time for the following:

  • If you need prescription flea/worm/tick products and your pet has not been seen for 12 months;

 

  • There is a change of flea/worm/tick treatment;

 

  • If your pet has an ear or eye infection (most treatments contain antibiotics);

 

  • If your pet has any skin problem, even if it is a chronic problem

 

  • If we suspect a urinary tract infection (remote/online consultation and urine analysis/culture are no longer sufficient)

 

  • We suspect a gastrointestinal infection (remote/online consultation and faecal analysis/culture are no longer sufficient)

 

  • We have reviewed our prescribing policy and for long term prescription medication that is not an antimicrobial/antiparasitic, we need to see your pet at least every 2-6 months depending on the type of medication.

 

  • We need at least 48 hours notice for repeat prescriptions and 3 working days notice for Written Prescriptions.