Stakeholders have spoken of their surprise after leading companion veterinary medicines were reclassified from NFA-VPS to AVM-GSL, so no longer need the expert advice that SQPs are known for giving.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) Medicines Update for September highlighted reclassifications
for Elanco’s Advantage 40mg spot-on solution for small cats, small dogs and pet rabbits, and Advantage 80mg spot-on solution for large cats and pet rabbits, from NFA-VPS to AVM- GSL.
Also reclassified from NFA- VPS to AVM-GSL is Drontal oral suspension for puppies Febantel 15mg/ml /Pyrantel 5 mg/ml from Vetoquinol.
Stephen Dawson, AMTRA chief executive, said: “It is disappointing to hear that a decision has been taken to reclassify two NFA-VPS products – Advantage and Drontal – to AVM-GSL status.
“The role SQPs in giving advice on animal medicines use is extremely important – both legally and practically – in safeguarding animal health, public and environmental safety, and supporting responsible medicine use. Removing that layer of support could have consequences. Part of the reason such products have a history of safe use is the very guidance coming from SQPs, pharmacists and vets who have supplied them along with quality advice.”
In a statement, AHDA Council said its works very hard to support AHDA members in the professional prescribing of veterinary medicines.
AHDA Council said: “Over recent years the main initiative has been on enhancing responsible prescribing and AHDA Council was pleased when the VMD included the justification for prescribing as part of the latest VMD veterinary medicine regulations.
“AHDA was very surprised to see the September VMD update advising that NFA-VPS products – from Advantage and Drontal – are being changed to AVM-GSL status. Having veterinary medicines prescribed clearly benefit from professional information and advice.”
Mr Dawson added that these medicines have contraindications and warnings that AMTRA think should be considered communicated to owners.
“There is increasing recognition that guidance is important on product usage, animal handling, and safe disposal to prevent environmental pollution,” Mr Dawson said. “This reclassification means that all this vital advice can’t be passed to owners who choose to purchase these medicines from supermarkets.
“With increasing focus on risk-based decision making in parasiticide supply, and on how to mitigate environmental risks, the timing of these decisions is surprising. AMTRA chair Michael Seals will be writing to the VMD to set out our views and to seek a greater understanding of VMD’s strategic thinking.”
Vetpol director Jeremy Johnson said that what makes the NFA-VPS category so valuable is that product must be sold in the minimum quantity with advice from an SQP, or vet or pharmacist.
“This category needs defending, to enable qualified people to manage a difficult situation in a manner that is sustainable,” Mr Johnson said. “We have first-hand reports of SQPs from veterinary practice having to deal with the aftermath of these products being used incorrectly.
“These reclassifications undermine the principle of improving the safe use of products by putting a qualified person face-to-face with the customer at the point of supply.”
AHDA Council reiterated that with AVM-GSL classification, there is no advice.
“You could fill your supermarket trolley if you wanted,” AHDA Council said. “Resistance is always going to be a challenge, but having unregulated access and no advice can only increase the risks of environmental contamination and potential resistance issues.”
In a statement, NOAH said: “Reclassification by the VMD is not unusual and follows a detailed, evidence-based review. We believe that advice from trained professionals, including SQPs, is important for responsible use and these products remain available for sale by SQPs.
“NOAH supports all authorised routes to market to ensure access to crucial products is available to pet owners of all budgets, and is working with retailers through our ‘Use It Right, Treat Them Right’ campaign to help ensure access and advice go hand-in-hand.”
OvertheCounter understands that while the VMD recognises and value the extensive training, knowledge, and experience that SQPs bring to animal health, it does not expect the role to change due to the reclassification of medications that are already available without either a prescription or point-of-sale advice.
Turning to the environment, VMD does not anticipate that the reclassification of these products will significantly increase environmental impacts.
