When it comes to keeping our pets healthy, medication prescribed by a veterinarian is often essential. However, understanding the ins and outs of a veterinary prescription can sometimes be confusing. In this article, we'll break down what a veterinary prescription is, what information it must include by law in Australia, and some important details you should know about repeats and expiry dates.
What is a Veterinary Prescription?
A veterinary prescription is a formal document provided by a registered veterinarian that authorizes a pharmacist such as those at PetScripts.com.au to dispense specific medication for your pet. This prescription ensures that the medication is appropriate for your pet's condition and that it is given in the correct dosage and manner.
What Information Must Be Included in a Veterinary Prescription?
In Australia, veterinary prescriptions must include certain pieces of information to be legally valid. These details ensure the safety and well-being of your pet and help pharmacists provide the correct medication. Here's what you should expect to see on a veterinary prescription:
1. Pet's Name and Species: The prescription must clearly state the name of your pet and its species (e.g., dog, cat, bird). This information helps ensure that the medication is suitable for the specific animal.
2.Medication Prescribed: The prescription will specify the exact medicine that has been prescribed. This includes the name of the drug and, in some cases, the brand name if a specific brand is recommended.
3. Dosage and Quantity: The prescription must clearly indicate the dosage of the medication (e.g., 50mg) and the total quantity to be dispensed (e.g. 100 capsules). This helps prevent underdosing or overdosing your pet.
4. Instructions for Use: Your vet will provide detailed instructions on how to administer the medication, including how often and for how long. For example, "Give 1 tablet twice daily for 7 days."
5. Veterinarian's Name and Address: The prescription must include the name and address of the veterinarian who prescribed the medication. This identifies the professional responsible for your pet's care.
6.Veterinarian's Registration Number: The registration number is a unique identifier for the veterinarian and is required on the prescription to ensure it comes from a licensed professional.
7. Veterinarian's Signature: The prescription must be signed by the veterinarian. This signature confirms that the vet has authorized the medication and all the details on the prescription.
Understanding Repeats on a Prescription
Sometimes, a veterinarian may prescribe a medication that needs to be taken over a longer period, or they may want to ensure you have a backup supply without needing a new prescription each time. In these cases, the prescription may include repeats.
A repeat allows the pharmacy to dispense the medication multiple times without requiring a new prescription. For example, a prescription may state, "Repeat x 2," meaning you can have the medication dispensed two additional times. It's important to note that repeats are not always included and will depend on the veterinarian's judgment and your pet's needs.
Prescription Expiry Dates
Veterinary prescriptions in Australia are generally valid for up to 12 months from the date they are written. However, a veterinarian may specify a shorter expiry date if they believe the medication should not be used beyond a certain period. For instance, if a vet prescribes an antibiotic that should only be used within a specific timeframe, they might set an expiry date of 2 months. After the expiry date, the prescription is no longer valid, and a new prescription will be required to obtain more medication.
Form
There is no required form or format for veterinary prescriptions but to be valid they must contain all the information required by law. Prescription pads like you might be used to for human medicines are not commonly used by veterinarians, so usually it will be in the form of a letter from your vet which they will give to you, or email directly to us. If your veterinarian doesn't have a template they usually use, the might like to refer to this one. A photo of packaging of medicine you've obtained previously or the box it came in is not a valid prescription.
Conclusion
Understanding the details of a veterinary prescription is crucial for ensuring that your pet receives the correct medication in the right way. By knowing what information to look for on a prescription, the role of repeats, and the importance of expiry dates, you can confidently manage your pet's medication and contribute to their overall well-being. If you have any questions about your pet's prescription, don't hesitate to contact your veterinarian or the pharmacy for further clarification.
