Guidelines for Prescribing, Authorising and Dispensing - Australian ...

Cytotoxic (anti-neoplastic) drugs. Cytotoxic drugs include a wide range of
therapeutic agents intended primarily for the treatment of cancer. They are highly
toxic to cells, and many have proved to be carcinogens, mutagens or teratogens.
Adverse health effects may result from occupational exposure, and appropriate risk
management strategies should be implemented – see Appendix 8.
Extemporaneous prescription/formulation. A veterinary chemical preparation
specially formulated by a veterinarian or by a pharmacist on a veterinarian’s
prescription for the treatment of a specific condition in an animal(s) under the
veterinarian’s care. Such unregistered products may only be used in foodproducing
species when the drug is compounded for treatment of an individual
animal.
General anaesthetics. Although not specifically prohibited by state/territory
legislation, there are no legitimate indications to dispense injectable general
anaesthetics in veterinary practice.
Hormonal growth promotants (HGPs). Specific controls have been imposed by
the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) which
require all suppliers of hormonal growth promotants, including veterinarians, to be
licensed by the APVMA. Such licensed suppliers are subject to annual audits and
must obtain purchaser declaration forms and keep detailed records of all HGP
purchases and sales, and provide monthly sales returns.
See http://www.apvma.gov.au/qa/hgp.shtml
There are particular requirements if animal products are intended for export to the
European Union – see
http://www.affa.gov.au/content/output.cfm?ObjectID=13C0E15F-A8FB-45C4-
9F908A2861C0C7F6&contType=outputs
Natural products. Any product containing ingredients derived from natural sources
that is administered to animals with claims of modifying health, production,
performance or behaviour must be registered. Products containing
glycosaminoglycan, chondroitin sulphate, glucosamine or similar substances
(including shark cartilage, abalone or green-lipped mussel) are considered to be
veterinary medicines.
Prostaglandins. Prostaglandins present particular health hazards to humans and
administration by veterinarians is preferable. However if prostaglandins are
dispensed, it should only be to experienced operators, with clear instructions about
handling precautions. State veterinary board directives on prostaglandin dispensing
should be followed.
Psychotropic drugs. Various registered (human) anti-depressants such as
fluoxetine, selegiline and amitriptyline are now used to treat behavioural problems
in dogs, cats, birds and horses. These are mostly ‘off-label’ uses, which must be
carefully explained to clients – see section 22.5. In prescribing and dispensing
these drugs, veterinarians also should be aware of the potential for illegal diversion
to human use.
Sedatives for clipping, shoeing, horse-breaking, deer velveting and other
procedures performed by non-veterinarians. Sedatives should be dispensed only
AVA Prescribing and dispensing guidelines
Version 1.0 February 2005
Updated 02/09/08
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