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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t the Customer Assistant behind the till / on the phone just sell me the product I want?

Veterinary Medicinal Products are governed by legislation and can only be prescribed and supplied by our registered Suitably Qualified Persons (SQP). It would be illegal for a non-SQP to simply sell the product to you.

Why do I have to answer all these questions every time I ask for the product?

In order to supply a regulated product the SQP must first prescribe the product, in our business this is done orally, although written prescriptions may be provided upon request. The questions asked by the SQP help establish the information required in order for the prescription to be fulfilled. The SQP is then able to ensure that the product supplied is the most appropriate product to meet your needs. The act of prescription must be completed each time the product is requested regardless of whether the product has been supplied previously.

Why do I have to give my name and address?

It is a legal requirement for the SQP to record your name and address for certain categories of Veterinary Medicinal Products (VMP), for use in the circumstances of a product recall. As a good practice employer we record your name and address details for all VMP transactions.

My Vet told me to buy this product from you, but your SQP has asked me to obtain a prescription from my Vet first, why?

An SQP can only legally supply a product for an authorised use as specified on the product. Your Vet may have referred you to us to supply a product for use outside of that authorised use i.e. a sheep wormer for use on alpacas. Your Vet is able to prescribe use of the product under the “cascade” system, however a written prescription from your Vet is required before the SQP can legally supply the product.

Why has your SQP refused to supply me with the product I wanted?

The SQP has been unable to complete the prescription and supply the product for one of a number of reasons including

  • The SQP is not satisfied that the product is to be used for the purpose it is intended It has been indicated that the product is being used for a purpose outside of the marketing authorisation of that product or for a species not named on the marketing authorisation of the product
  • The SQP is not satisfied that the person receiving the product is competent to administer it safely.  The product may require a certificate of competence to be produced before the product can be supplied i.e. sheep dip
  • The SQP has referred you to a Vet to obtain a diagnosis of any clinical symptoms discussed during the prescription before supplying the product.  Through the act of prescription our SQP became concerned that there may be clinical signs of disease in the animal to be treated that require further investigation and diagnosis by a Vet.

The SQP must at all times adhere to the current Code of Good Practice for Suitably Qualified Persons and the Registration of Retail Premises as issued by the Secretary of State under the Veterinary Medicines Regulations, updated 1st October each year. It is the sole responsibility of the SQP to ensure that the statutory requirements are respected and their duties are carried fully out.

 

 


Contact us at MVF if you need more help >>

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