Important Alert For Consumers Of Veterinary Medicines

[Do No Harm]

did I really just type all the above out for nothing?

When you go to McDonalds, do you get an expiry date on your burger? No, even though there is an expiry date printed on bun, meat, cheese etc packaging. Probably because you're expected to eat the burger straight away, as thats what was intended. Anyone who kept a burger for 12months and then ate it, would only have themselves to blame.

Same with medications. The vet knows the drugs are valid for 12+months when they are prescribed. If an owner self-medicates their pet 18months later with the same pills that are dated 18months prior, they have themselves to blame, for not following the initial course instructions the first time, and also for not seeking vet attention for the problem they are self medicating for.

The only purpose of starting this thread was to try and raise consumers' awareness of a particular issue that they have probably never even thought about before. I understand access to these topics is not limited to those who participate by posting or even restricted to DOL members, so hopefully there are other dog owners reading this thread who have been given some food (preferably more healthy than McDonalds) for thought.

Edited August 14, 2009 by Do No Harm

[Do No Harm]

I actually think it would be a good idea to be provided, although I don't think medicines should generally be dispensed so far in advance that the use by date actually becomes an issue. If I were a vet, I wouldn't generally want my clients storing medicine up to use later, no matter what the expiry date said.

The 'so far in advance' angle was introduced by another poster. In the context of my own experience the 'use as needed' basis involved a period of 3-4 months. I think this aspect has become an unfortunate diversion and I'm not sure it has relevance to the real issue of vets not being required to provide the Expiry Date and Batch Number of the medicines they dispense.

I'm pleased that some here have not overlooked that point.

Perhaps consideration of the purpose for which a particular medication is prescribed together with knowledge of its characteristics, HOW it is to be used and the quantity of tablets dispensed is what is really relevant to the safe use of any drug sold on a 'give as needed' basis.

Edited August 14, 2009 by Do No Harm

[poodle proud]

Every vet I have been to has always dispensed medication out of a bottle into a plastic sleeve with the name of the medication, expiration date etc on the sleeve. Is that not ok? I have been to approx 7 vets in 2 states and this was standard practice at every one.

Here is some information:

"I have since had a discussion with the Registrar of the Veterinary Practitioners Board of New South Wales about your concerns. He informed me that expiry dates and batch numbers are not required to be indicated on the label of dispensed medicines in NSW. Veterinary practices are also not required to keep documentation of the batch number on the patient's record".

That is from the National AVA with this link http://www.vpb.nsw.gov.au/managed_code/upl...isons_guide.pdf

I have been advised that this general protocol also applies in Victoria and Qld. I did have a link to a pdf file from Vic govt confirming this but am unable to locate it right now. Confirmation of the rules that apply in Qld came from a Qld veterinarian. I have been unable to obtain any information from any source to indicate that any state or territory in Australia has any obligation beyond this general protocol.

Then there is this which came from the Pharmaceutical Services Branch of the WA Health Dept:

"Under the poisons Regulations 1965 when a veterinary surgeon supplies a scheduled poison to the owner of an animal it must be labelled with the following-

1) the words 'Keep out of reach of children'

2) Name and strength of poison in preparation or the trade name

3) the owners name and species of animal

4) instructions for the use of the medicine or product

5) the date of supply and a prescription (or reference) number

6) name and address of the veterinary practice

7) the words 'For veterinary use only or 'For animal treatment only' and 'For external use only' if the preparation is not for internal use and

8) the total quantity contained"

Obviously there may be individual veterinarians who dispense 'above and beyond' the legal requirements, but the fact remains they are not legally obliged to provide the information which I've expressed concerns about being omitted. Most do not go 'above and beyond' what they are legally required to do.

This was interesting to read Do No Harm. Thankyou.

[sandgrubber]

When you go to McDonalds, do you get an expiry date on your burger? No, even though there is an expiry date printed on bun, meat, cheese etc packaging. Probably because you're expected to eat the burger straight away, as thats what was intended. Anyone who kept a burger for 12months and then ate it, would only have themselves to blame.

Same with medications. The vet knows the drugs are valid for 12+months when they are prescribed. If an owner self-medicates their pet 18months later with the same pills that are dated 18months prior, they have themselves to blame, for not following the initial course instructions the first time, and also for not seeking vet attention for the problem they are self medicating for.

GREAT ANSWER!

I'd find it pathetic if the vet nurse took time to write out an expiry date on, say, a worming tablet or a round of antibiotics that was intended for immediate use.

[Mum to Emma]

I have been dispensed medications from both a veterinary specialist and general vet that have passed the use-by date. In the case of the vet specialist I only found out by accident when they showed me the larger bottle they dispensed them from (Trental - a "human" medication) and with the general vet, I asked for fresh medication to be ordered despite their protestations that it would still be OK even though the expiry date had passed. (Considering what I was paying for it....)

And, no, these weren't "hack" vets. In both cases, many on this Board would know them well.