Veterinary medicine cabinet: regulations and guidelines

Veterinarians have the authority to sell medicines and thus operate a veterinary medicine cabinet. Unlike human physicians who must prescribe medications that must then be purchased at a regular pharmacy, veterinarians are authorized to sell medications directly to their patients. However, this permit only applies to the animals he treats and is subject to strict regulations, particularly when it comes to the sale of antibiotics.

Prescribing and selling medications in the veterinary practice

It is essential to understand that medications cannot be easily sold. Sales or prescription may only take place as part of a treatment. No exceptions are allowed, even if there is a prescription for the medication. In addition, prescriptions for animals may only be filled in conventional pharmacies.

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Veterinary medicine cabinet: Special regulations for handling antibiotics

The use of antibiotics in animals has become increasingly regulated in recent years. This particularly impacts pet owners who have access to these medications through their veterinarians. A key rule is that antibiotics may only be used after the animal has been examined by a veterinarian. There are also certain antibiotics that are completely prohibited from being used in dogs and cats.

In addition, extensive laboratory tests must be carried out when using some antibiotics. This is intended to ensure that the drug is suitable for the specific case and help minimize the risk of resistance developing.

Veterinary medicine cabinet: return and disposal of medications

A crucial aspect for the veterinary medicine cabinet is the return and disposal of medication. Once a medication has been dispensed, the vet may not take it back or refund it. This is to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the medication.

Extreme caution should be exercised when disposing of medications. It is strictly forbidden to pour any medications, including liquid medications, down the sink or toilet. However, if your community's household waste is sent for incineration, it is acceptable to put medicines in the household waste. It is always advisable to follow local regulations regarding the disposal of medication.

Animal health and responsibility of the veterinarian - veterinary medicine cabinet

It is the veterinarian's responsibility to ensure the health and well-being of the animals entrusted to their care. This includes the correct prescription and use of medications, proper storage and disposal, and compliance with applicable regulations and guidelines. The responsible use of medication not only contributes to the health of the individual animal, but also to the well-being of the entire animal population.

It is essential that veterinarians stay up to date with current regulations and best practices to ensure the best possible care for their animal patients. This ensures that both veterinarians and pet owners do the best for their animals and contribute to a sustainable and healthy wildlife.

Further training and current information for veterinarians on the subject of veterinary medicine cabinets

In the dynamic world of veterinary medicine, it is essential for veterinarians to keep their knowledge and skills up to date. Regular training and access to current research are key elements in ensuring that treatment strategies meet the most current standards. These efforts to continually improve and update are critical to the well-being of animal patients and the satisfaction of pet owners.

Compliance with regulations and ethical standards

Adhering to regulations and ethical standards is of utmost importance for every veterinarian. Compliance with these regulations not only ensures the legal operation of the veterinary medicine cabinet, but also helps maintain trust between the veterinarian and the animal owner. Respectful and ethical treatment of animals is a basic requirement for practicing the profession of veterinarian and serves to protect and promote the welfare of animals.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about veterinary medicine cabinets:

Summary

The veterinary medicine cabinet requires a high level of responsibility, expertise and ethics. From properly selling and prescribing medications, to properly disposing of medications, to complying with the latest regulations and providing quality veterinary care, veterinarians always strive to do the best for their patients and their owners. By carefully handling these tasks, veterinarians make a valuable contribution to promoting the health and well-being of the animals in their care.

Legal basis for the sale of medication in veterinary practices through the veterinary medicine cabinet

In Germany, the Medicines Act (AMG) forms the basis for the regulations surrounding the dispensing and sale of medication in the veterinary medicine cabinet. Within the AMG, special regulations for veterinary medicine cabinets can be found in Section 8, § 56a to § 56f.

Special regulations for antibiotics for the veterinary medicine cabinet

Since 2018, new regulations on the use of antibiotics in veterinary medicine have been in effect in Germany. These can be found in the Veterinary Pharmacy Ordinance (TÄHAV) and the Ordinance on the Use of Veterinary Medicines (TAMV). Particularly noteworthy here are the regulations on antibiotic resistance monitoring and the prescribed measures to prevent resistance.

Regulations for the disposal of medication

The correct disposal of medication in Germany is regulated by the Circular Economy Act (KrWG). Veterinarians must adhere to these regulations to ensure environmentally sound and safe disposal of unused or expired medications.

Veterinary medicine cabinet: Ethics in veterinary medicine

With regard to ethical questions and responsibility in veterinary medicine, the Animal Protection Act (TierSchG) and the professional regulations of the respective state veterinary association are particularly relevant. These establish, among other things, the welfare of the animal as the primary goal of veterinary work and define the ethical duties of the veterinarian.

Further literature references on veterinary medicine cabinets

1. "Veterinary drugs in the environment: effects on animal health" by Ralf HH Krupp and Bernd-Wolfgang Igl

The book addresses the increasingly important issue of the environmental impact of veterinary drugs. It deals with the consequences of improper disposal of medication and offers suggestions for responsible action.

2. “Practical Pharmacology for Veterinarians” by Klaus Löscher and Matthias Schneider

An essential handbook for all veterinarians, providing a detailed overview of the most important aspects of veterinary pharmacology. It covers, among other things, the correct prescribing and administration of medication.

3. “Antibiotic resistance: challenges and paths for human and veterinary medicine” by Gerhard F. Gerber and Markus Hilty

This book offers a deep insight into the complex topic of antibiotic resistance. It analyzes the problem from both the perspective of human medicine and veterinary medicine and discusses solutions.

4. “Animal Welfare and Responsibility: Ethical Issues in Veterinary Medicine” by Jan Deckers

A comprehensive work that deals with the ethical aspects of veterinary medicine, including the responsibility of veterinarians in the use of medication and the obligation to comply with animal welfare standards.

5. “Legal texts for veterinary practice” by Hans-Jürgen Metternich

A practical book that compactly summarizes the most relevant legal texts for veterinarians, including the Medicines Act (AMG) and the Veterinary Pharmacy Ordinance (TÄHAV). A useful reference work for all legal questions in veterinary practice.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our veterinarians.