Guidance on reporting misuse of prescriptions
Each reported case is considered by the VMD.
Guidance on reporting suspected misuse of a veterinary prescription has been updated by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD).
Misuse of prescriptions falls into two categories: alteration of an existing prescription or prescription fraud.
Alterations made to prescriptions include changing the date the prescription was signed, changing the quantity of the product or inclusion of different medicines. Fraud examples include supplying the same prescriptions to multiple retailers for supply, or forging the signature of a veterinary surgeon, pharmacist or suitably qualified person (SQP).
Each reported case is considered by the VMD. Generally, for altered prescriptions relating to non-food producing animals, a warning letter will be sent to the offender for a first offence. However, for fraud, altered prescriptions for food-producing animals, repeat offences of altered prescriptions, cases will be sent to Defra Investigation Services with a view to prosecution.
Vets can confidentially report suspected misuse of veterinary prescriptions here: https://www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/PrescriptionMisuse/PrescriptionMisuse.aspx
Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.
