From 1st September 2023 the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS, regulatory body for the veterinary profession in the UK) introduced new guidance on prescribing prescription-only medicines. The full guidance can be found on: https://www.rcvs.org.uk/setting-standards/advice-and-guidance/under-care-new-guidance/
The new guidance requires that a physical examination has to be performed every time any antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antiparasiticides and certain other medications are prescribed. This includes, but is not limited to, topical preparations such as ear and eye drops, and all prescription flea/worm/tick products.
The guidance is an important step towards ensuring responsible antimicrobial use and reducing the veterinary impact on the wider issues of global antibiotic resistance and decline of insect populations.
What this means in practice is that your pet will need to come in for an in-person consultation every time;
– we need to prescribe medication for an ear infection (as most contain antibiotics)
– we need to prescribe antibiotics for any skin problem, even if it’s a chronic problem
– we/you decide to change from one flea/worm/tick product to another
– we suspect a urinary tract infection
– we suspect a gastrointestinal infection
– we need to change dosages for some medications
If you have any questions or concerns about the new guidance, RCVS can be contacted on:
020 7202 0789 or advice@rcvs.org.uk
