The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 273 No 7319 p457
2 October 2004

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Some animal Ps to be POMs

Pharmacists are to lose the right to supply a small number of animal medicines currently classified as pharmacy medicines under plans announced by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate.

A planned recategorisation of veterinary medicines will lead to four categories of animal medicines. POM–V products will have to be prescribed by veterinary surgeons but can be dispensed by vets or pharmacists. POM–VPM products will be prescribable by vets, pharmacists and suitably qualified persons. A third category — non-food animal medicines (NFAM) — will be supplied by vets, pharmacists or suitably qualified persons without prescription. GSL products will be saleable by any retailer.

Andrew Cairns, chairman of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s Veterinary Pharmacists Group, said that the proposed reclassification creates an opportunity for pharmacists.