Repeat prescriptions

[YvonneM]

The receptionist at my vet's has told me my bitch can only have repeat prescriptions for 3 months and then she has to see a vet She says this is the law. Is this true?

[divegirl]

What is the prescription for?

Lisa x

[jakep]

For flea and worm treatment, the pet needs to be seen by the vet once a year, although Frontline has recently been re-classified and is available 'over the counter' at the vet.
For medication, the pet needs to be seen every 6 months

[YvonneM]

Propalin to stop her bladder leaking and Rimadyl for pain and anti inflammatory for her arthritis

[Scotman84]

Well, nothing to do with animals, but I know that doctors refuse repeat prescriptions after a certain amount of time. Don't know if it's the law, but it may be something about dependency on a certain drug.

[lankeela]

I have a bitch on steroids and although there is a notice in the vets saying they will only do repeat prescriptions for 3 months without a follow up visit, I have a good relationship with my vet and I just call the receptionist and she leaves them out for me. He is a 'single' vet with his own practice, I suspect if its a group then they have to abide by the rules.

[Noweia]

Hi Yvonne,

Under the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, which controls veterinary drug use, a vet must first carry out a clinical examination of an animal before s/he can prescribe any drugs, and the animal in question must be under the vets care - i.e. a registered patient. Also, only the minimum amount of drug required for treatment can be given. It is a criminal offence if the vet precribes otherwise!

For a repeat prescription, the vet must have seen the animal recently enough to have knowledge of the animals condition. Exactly how recent depends on the patient, client, the condition of the animal and medicine being prescribed, and is down to professional judgement on the part of the vet.

Some practices adopt this legislation into practice rules so everyone is 'singing off the same hymn sheet' and working by the same rules - in your case, that the animal has to be seen every three months for repeat prescriptions to continue. In other practices, this may be different.

Hope this helps!

[lankeela]

The medication my bitch is on is a long term thing, which cannot be cured, but if it was something that needed temporary treatment then I would want the dog to be seen by the vet anyway, to ensure it was working and to make sure she was still getting the right medication for the condition.

[lankeela]

Just got this off a vet's website I think it explains the situation and reinforces what we have already said.

The right to prescribe is heavily and increasingly regulated and we are obliged to comply with what has recently become law. Behind this, is the very public and active debate about antibiotic resistance, food residues and overall drug safety.
All medicines must only be prescribed for an animal and condition that is under our care.
This requires physically seeing the animal at the onset of the condition and at regular intervals throughout.
Repeat prescriptions may be allowed until the next revisit.
The frequency of the visits depends on the condition/treatment.
We will always use the small degree of discretion allowed to try to help clients.
Revisit consultations and repeat prescriptions will incur a small charge to cover the staff time involved.

[ProperBoPeep]

Noweia has given a very good and accurate answer.

I would like to point out that vets' hands are tied in several ways with regards to medication prescriptions. As Noweia explained animals have to be examined on a regular basis (usually every 3-6 months) depending on the type of medication. This period is usually determined by the animals condition, the type of medication and perceived risk of side effects.

Vets are liable to be prosecuted should they be prescribing an inappropriate drug/dose to an animals that is technically "under their care". This also applies if any new conditions, worsening of existing conditions or presence of side effects are present.

Secondly the VMD and other regulatory bodies enforce that only veterinary licensed medication is prescribed (ie by licensed means that it has been approved and tested). This unfortunately means that the individual cost of medication is higher.

Vets find this very frustrating as it means that rather than using the human equivalent (which is usually identical and cheaper) we are forced to use the veterinary product.

In theory a vet can go to jail for prescribing generic (human) drug rather than the hugely more expensive veterinary drug.

So please understand my point as above. Our hands are tied so much these days by external regulation and interference!

[YvonneM]

Thanks everyone for your help It sounds as though these checkups could be negotiable.
Rosie is doing well for a 14 yr old Lab she has been a brilliant dog and is still enjoying life to the full she has been into the veggie patch this morning to dig up her carrot which she has every morning for breakfast (keeps her teeth clean) Because the medication has worked well for her we are going to Cornwall with her for a holiday .

[lankeela]

Hope you and her have a brilliant holiday. Remember not to let her overdo it, all the new sights and smells may make her perk up a bit, and forget her ailments!

Don't forget to take her medication!