VETERINARY MEDICINES GUIDANCE NOTE No 3

VMGN No 3
- A veterinary surgeon must authorise each transaction in the same
way as for POM-V medicines) (Schedule 3 para 9);
- an SQP must authorise each transaction by:
- personally supplying POM-VPS or NFA-VPS medicines to the end
client; or
- being in a position to intervene when products are handed over; or
- checking the products before despatch to the customer. (Schedule 3
para 14(5))
A veterinary surgeon who prescribes a POM-V or POM-VPS medicine,
or supplies an NFA-VPS medicine (or an SQP in the case of prescribing
POM-VPS and supplying NFA-VPS medicines):
- before doing so, must be satisfied that the person using the product
is competent to do so safely, and intends to use it for a purpose for
which it is authorised;
- when doing so, must advise on its safe administration and any
warnings or contra-indications on the label or package leaflet.
(Schedule 3 para 7)
NB. In the case of supply of POM-VPS and NFA-VPS medicines, the
customer does not need to be a registered client of the veterinary practice.
When prescribing for food producing animals, SQP should take into account
the advice given by SCOPS, COWS and RUMA.
It is considered good practice to have a written SOP setting out the
procedures for authorisation of each VMP transaction.
There should be a procedure to be taken when no veterinary surgeon/SQP is
present to prescribe/supply VMP – for example in the case of a client
unexpectedly coming into the practice to purchase a medicine; and evidence
that the procedure has been followed.
In the case of supply of POM-VPS sheep dips, the customer/user‟s
„Certificate of Competence in the safe use in Sheep Dips‟ number must
be checked and recorded. (Schedule 3 para 22 & 23)
In the case of sheep dips, if not previously supplied to the customer, a
laminated notice and two pairs of gloves must be supplied with every
product prescribed and supplied. (Schedule 3 para 22 & 23)
(c) Supply of medicines under the cascade (e.g. Non-UK authorised products,
authorised products used off-label, human medicines, and
extemporaneous medicines).
There should be evidence that the cascade is being correctly followed (for
example where there is an authorised veterinary medicine available clinical
notes could explain why this is not being used for a particular animal).
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