Question & AnswerQ&A (BAI DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 39, S. 1991)
A Prescription is the written order and instruction to the pharmacist by a duly-licensed veterinarian for the use of a specific veterinary drug and product for a specific species of animal. The Veterinary Drug Order (VDO) is also considered a prescription.
Generic Prescribing refers to the prescribing of veterinary drugs and products or medicines using their generic names or generic terminology.
Only duly-licensed veterinarians, whether in private practice or employed in private institution/corporation or in government, are authorized to prescribe veterinary drugs.
Prescriptions must include the name of prescriber, office and address, professional registration number, professional tax receipt number, patient/client's name, date of prescription, species and number of animals treated, and the generic name, strength, unit size, and quantity of the veterinary drug product.
The VCPR is a written agreement where the veterinarian assumes responsibility for clinical judgments regarding the health of the animal(s) and the client agrees to follow the veterinarian's instructions. The veterinarian must have sufficient knowledge of the animal(s) and be available for follow-up.
A VCPR letter is required when prescribing veterinary drugs for 10 or more animal units, accompanied by a Veterinary Drug Order.
They must not fill the violative prescription, keep and report it to the nearest DOH/DA Office for appropriate action, and advise the prescriber or instruct the customer to get the proper prescription.
Violative prescriptions include those where the generic name is not written, the generic name is illegible but a brand name is written, or the brand name is indicated with instructions that obstruct proper generic dispensing.
The Secretary of Health shall recommend the imposition of appropriate administrative sanctions by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) for violations related to Section 4 of the rules and regulations.
Yes. Apart from administrative sanctions, appropriate criminal proceedings may be instituted under various laws such as the Generics Act of 1988, Food, Drugs, Devices and Cosmetics Act, Pharmacy Law, Veterinary Practice Act, Dangerous Drugs Act, and other relevant laws.