Re Internet pharmacies

Re: Re Internet pharmacies

Bob Russell — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 16:19:32 GMT

The problem is that many of these internet shops pay only lip service to the rules. Owners download a form from the website for the vet to sign, often stating a number of repeats to make life easy for them and encourage clients to buy from them in future.

I won't sign any of these forms as I cannot see how they really qualify as prescriptions. I will not sign for repeats as it means that I effectively lose control of the medication for a period of months ahead.

Anyone ignoring clear and reasonable instructions on a prescription should be prevented from access to further prescriptions. It should be essential that the supplier has the original in their possession before supplying any POM's.

Re: Re Internet pharmacies

bob lehner — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 16:00:54 GMT

VMD Guidance Note 3 has lots of info on prescription tampering and how to try and avoid it.

Basically it says that retailers should not dispense without seeing the original hard copy of the prescription. Problem is that unless the on-line pharmacy is one of the VMDs accredited ones it is difficult to enforce.

Measures you can take include use of BVA stickers on your prescription - with a note - 'Only valid with original sticker' - or sign in red with a note 'Only valid with red signature'. Of course the owner and on-line pharmacy may well ignore these instructions.

Tampering with a prescription is an offence. I would certainly advise your erring client accordingly.

Re: Re Internet pharmacies

Bob Russell — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 11:10:44 GMT

We also use security paper that clearly comes up with copy all over it when faxed. The authorities have been grossly negligent in allowing copies to be accepted. The potential for abuse of antibiotics alone should get them to tighten this up.

Report it to the VMD - it is misuse and illegal. Clearly the client needs to go but a prosecution is in order by the VMD to send a suitable message!We have the following at the bottom of our prescription:

This medication is to be used under the cascade regulations. Copies of this prescription (faxed or photocopies) are not valid and should be reported immediately to the issuing practice or the Veterinary Medicines Directorate on 01932 338320.

Misuse or unauthorised alteration of veterinary prescriptions may result in prosecution

It is the responsibility of the purchaser to satisfy themselves that any medication ordered is genuine. Please note the practice cannot take any responsibility for medicines supplied by third parties.

Re: Re Internet pharmacies

Richard Carter — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 09:22:57 GMT

my recent experience with internet pharmacies was a client with diabetic labrador buying caninsulin delivered for about £12/bottle. Our wholesale price is about £15 + VAT. Even factoring in our 10% rebate I cannot compete unless I start buying from an internet pharmacy and ditch my wholesaler.

Re: Re Internet pharmacies

Hannah Wynne Richards — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 09:19:32 GMT

Sack them on the spot

Wynne

Re: Re Internet pharmacies

Martin Atkinson — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 09:12:52 GMT

Almost without exception my clients that demand prescriptions are low value clients. Those who are not accept my argument that other charges will rise if I can't make a profit from selling medication. We also have a fairly punitive prescription fee (£15) and will do a deal if they buy 3 months at a time so in the end the they would hardly save. Those who don't see the advantage in this usually vote with their feet and I'm glad to see them go.

I would tell them that I cannot work with them if they deliberately attempt to obtain medication dishonestly and sack them. Put the reasons you sacked them in the clinical notes and the next vet will decide how he/she wants to deal with it.

Re: Re Internet pharmacies

Michael Woodhouse — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 00:33:45 GMT

Our prescription policy is that the owner specifies the pharmacy they will use and we will send the prescription directly to them.

The owner has the choice of pharmacy, but cannot do as described. I can't see anywhere in the rules that I have to physically hand the prescription to the owner.