Understanding prescription

What is a Written Veterinary Prescription?
A Written Veterinary Prescription is a document that is provided by your animal’s veterinary surgeon, allowing you to obtain your animals medication from another retailer. This only applies to animal medicines that are classified as POM-V.
A written prescription must include the following information

• The name, address and telephone number of the person prescribing the product
• The name and address of the owner or keeper
• The identification (including species) of the animal or group of animals to be treated
• The premises at which the animals are kept if this is different from the address of the owner or keeper
• The date of the prescription
• The signature and any other authentication of the person prescribing the product
• The name and amount of the product prescribed
• The dosage and administration instructions
• Any necessary warnings
• The withdrawal period if relevant
• If it is prescribed under the cascade, a statement to that effect

Why do I need a Written Veterinary Prescription?
Certain animal medicines that have been classified as POM-V may only be supplied once they have been prescribed by a veterinary surgeon following a clinical assessment of an animal under the veterinary surgeons care.
An animal medicine will generally be included in the POM-V category when it:

• Requires a strict limitation on its use for specific safety reasons
• Requires specialised knowledge of a veterinary surgeon for it use/application
• Has a narrow safety margin requiring above average care in its use
• Is Government policy to demand professional control at a high level

Animal medicines that are classified POM-V can greatly range from combined flea and worming treatments, to painkillers and epilepsy medications.
All the products on our website that are POM-V include this stamp:

How can I get a Written Veterinary Prescription?
You can request a Written Veterinary Prescription from your veterinary surgeon. They cannot refuse to provide you with a written prescription; however they may make a small nominal charge for the service.

How long does a Written Veterinary Prescription last for?
A Written Veterinary Prescription is only legally valid for 6 months, or such shorter period as specified on the prescription by your veterinary surgeon.
For controlled drugs, such as Epiphen, a written prescription is only valid for 28 days.

How many times can I use my Written Veterinary Prescription?
Most prescriptions, although valid for 6 months, can only be used for the total amount of medicines specified by your veterinary surgeon on the prescription.
For example if your veterinary surgeon has marked on your prescription ‘1 x box of flea medication’, you can use the prescription once for 1 box of flea medication within the validity period.

What is a Repeat Veterinary Prescription?
If your animal is on long term medication you can ask your vet for a repeat prescription.
A repeat prescription may be used up to the number of times specified on the prescription by your vet, within the validity period.
For example if your veterinary surgeon has marked on your prescription ‘repeat x 2’, you may use this prescription for a total of 3 times within the validity period.