Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

VMD reports drug supply problems
The VMD has revealed that there are currently supply problems with a number of veterinary products. (Stock photo)
Directorate provides advice on alternative products 

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has revealed there are currently supply problems with a number of veterinary products, including leptospirosis vaccines for cattle and local anaesthetic products containing procaine hydrochloride.

Supply problems exist for the following products:

Vaccines for Leptospira hardjo and Leptospira borgpetersenii
There are supply issues with two leptospirosis vaccines authorised in the UK for use in cattle. Supply problems are expected to be resolved in October 2019. In the meantime, the VMD is accepting applications to import an EU alternative, BioBos L. injection suspension for cattle, which is licensed in the Czech Republic, and Spirovac, which is licensed in the USA.

Local anaesthetic products containing procaine hydrochloride
VMD said it is aware of UK availability issues with some of these products. Information on authorised products are available on the VMD’s product information database. Suppliers have advised that the UK authorised Pronestesic 40mg/ml / 0.036mg/ml Solution for Injection for Horses, Cattle, Pigs and Sheep, is available to meet present demand.

Viper Venom Antiserum for veterinary use (adder bite antivenom)
There are no viper venom antiserums licensed in the UK for treating adder bites in animals. VMD accepts applications to import European Viper Antiserum from Biomed (Poland) and the Institute of Immunology, Zagreb (Croatia). VMD said anyone wishing to import should contact the manufacturer before submitting an application to ensure they can supply the quantity needed.

In urgent cases, antivenom may be supplied, purchased and used prior to the special treatment certificate being obtained from the VMD.

ACP injection 10mg/ml solution for injection
This product is indicated for anaesthetic premedication, tranquillisation and sedation in horses. It is not known when stocks will be available. Applications are currently accepted to import this product for use in horses only. Two EU alternatives are available - Calmivet solution for injection (5mg/ml) and Vetranquil 1% solution for injection (10mg/ml).


For information on prescribing under the cascade, visit the VMD’s website.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Update to TB Advice services

News Story 1
 Vets wishing to access TB Advice services can now use a digital contact form, following updates announced by the APHA.

This new, streamlined service allows customers to provide all necessary information upfront, minimising additional contact between the APHA and the customer. It also ensures questions are directed to the right team, significantly reducing response times.

More contact forms are expected to be announced in the coming months. For more information, visit Gov.uk  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.