PHARMACOLOGY - Introduction to Drug Legislation

Question 1

Where should you access information regarding the use of medicines within the veteriary field?

Answer 1

NOAH (National Office of Animal Health) compendium of data sheets

Question 2

What is the role of the RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgery) in terms of drug legislation?

Answer 2

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) are responsible for ensuring that all registered veterinary practice premises in the UK are inspected and comply with their legal obligations under the veterinary medicine regulations (VMRs)

Question 3

What are the six roles of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) in terms of drug legislation?

Answer 3

1. Monitor the adverse effects of veterinary drugs
2. Test drugs for residues
3. Authorise companies to sell veterinary drugs
4. Control how veterinary drugs are made and distributed
5. Advise the government of the developing veterinary medicine policy
6. Make, update and enforce the UK legislation of veterinary medicines

Question 4

What is the role of the Home Office in terms of drug legislation?

Answer 4

The Home Office is responsible for the regulation of controlled drugs in the UK

Question 5

What are the four classifications of veterinary medicines?

Answer 5

1. Authorised Veterinary Medicines - General Sales List (AVM-GSL)
2. Non-Food Animal Medicines - Veterinarian, Pharmacist, Sutiable Qualified person (NFA-VPS)
3. Prescription-only Medicines - Veterinarian, Pharmacist, Sutiable Qualified person (POM-VPS)
4. Prescription-only Medicines - Veterinarian (POM-V)

Question 6

Who can supply Authorised Veterinary Medicines - General Sales List (AVM-GSL)?

Answer 6

Authorised Veterinary Medicines - General Sales List (AVM-GSL) can be supplied by any retailer

Question 7

Is clinical assessment required prior to dispensing Prescription-only Medicines - Veterinarian, Pharmacist, Sutiable Qualified person (POM-VPS)?

Answer 7

No, a clinical assessment is not required however users should be made aware of the risks through oral or written advice

Question 8

Who is allowed to write a prescription for Prescription-only Medicines - Veterinarian (POM-V)?

Answer 8

UK registered veterinary surgeon

Question 9

Is clinical assessment required prior to dispensing Prescription-only Medicines - Veterinarian (POM-V)?

Answer 9

Yes, a clinical assessment is always required

Question 10

What are the five main responsibilities of the pharmacist in terms of veterinary medicines?

Answer 10

1. Pharmacist must be present when the medicine is handed over to the client or satisfied that the person handing over the medicine is competent to do so
2. Pharmacist must be satisfied that the medicine is appropriate for the animal and the conditon being treated
3. Pharmacist must be satisfied that the client administering the medication is compentent
4. Pharmacist must emphaisise any safety precautions
5. Pharmacist must ensure the medicine is labelled correctly

Question 11

Who are classified as Sutiably Qualified People?

Answer 11

Sutiably Qualified People are individuals registered with Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA)

Question 12

What information should you include in a written perscription?

Answer 12

1. Name, address, phone number and qualifications of the person perscribing the product
2. Name and address of the client
3. Indentification of the animal/group of animals to be treated
4. Premises at which the animal is kept if this differs from the owners address
5. The date
6. Signature of the prescriber
7. Name and amount of the medicine perscribed
8. Dosage and administration requirements
9. Any necessary warnings
10. Withdrawal period if relevant

Question 13

Who is responsible for ensuring compliance regarding pharmaceutical waste disposal?

Answer 13

The individual Veterinary Practice

Question 14

What are the four main consequences of poor pharmaceutical waste disposal?

Answer 14

1. Some drugs can cause damage to animals and the environment
2. Poorly controlled pharmaceutical waste may end up in the hands of the public who may abuse it
3. Antibiotic resistance may develop in organisms exposed to the drugs
4. Ecosystems may be disrupted

Question 15

What are the five main sources of pharmaceutical waste?

Answer 15

Out of date drugs
Expired ‘In-use shelf-life’ drugs
Returned drugs
Residual drugs
Spillages

Question 16

What does ‘in-use shelf-life’ refer to?

Answer 16

An in-use shelf-life refers to the time period following the first broaching of a container after which the remaining product in the container should be destroyed

Question 17

In Scotland, which bin should you dispose a needle?

Answer 17

Orange lidded sharps bin

Question 18

In Scotland, which bin should you dispose an incompletely discharged syringe?

Answer 18

Pharmaceutical waste bin

Question 19

In Scotland, which bin should you dispose an open snap top ampoule?

Answer 19

Orange lidded sharps bin

Question 20

In Scotland, which bin should you dispose of rubber topped vials and bottles?

Answer 20

Pharmaceutical waste

Question 21

In Scotland, where should you dispose non-medicated I.V. fluids?

Answer 21

Non-medicated I.V. fluids can be discarded into the sink and the bags disposed into general waste

Question 22

In Scotland, where should you dispose medicated I.V. fluids?

Answer 22

Both the fluid and bag should be disposed in pharmaceutical waste

Question 23

In Scotland, where should you dispose Domosedan gel?

Answer 23

Pharmaceutical waste

Question 24

In Scotland, where should you dispose Leahurst Sarcoid Cream?

Answer 24

Leahurst Sarcoid Cream is cytotoxic and this should be disposed into hazardous waste (purple bin)