Supply and Importation

For veterinary medicinal products authorised throughout the EU, the European Commission establishes the appropriate method of supply. For products authorised nationally, the IMB allocates an appropriate category of supply based on an evaluation of the risks involved and taking account of the available legal categories which are defined by national and European legislation. The method allocated is subject to review based on the experience with the product in the market and on any change in the benefit:risk profile.

The prescribing and dispensing regimes in Ireland are defined by national legislation (SI no. 786 of 2007). The approved method of supply is given in the package leaflet or packaging of the product, with the relevant symbol denoting the route of supply stated on the label of the medicine (or outer container where there is insufficient room on the label).

The following table lists the symbols and their associated meaning as governed by the legislation*:

SYMBOL	ROUTE OF SUPPLY	ASSOCIATED MEANING
VPO 1	Veterinary Practitioner use only	For use by veterinary practitioners only
VPO	Veterinary Practitioner use only	For use by veterinary practitioners only
POM	Prescription only medicine	For use under the prescription of a veterinary practitioner
POM(E)	Prescription only medicine exempt	For supply by veterinary practitioners or pharmacists (in person) only
PS	Pharmacy only	For supply by veterinary practitioners or from pharmacies only
LM	Licensed merchant	For supply by a merchant licensed to sell animal remedies
CAM	Companion animal medicine	For supply by a retailer registered to sell such medicines

Please contact the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in relation to any questions relating to prescribing and dispensing practices. The Veterinary Council of Ireland has published a code of professional conduct, known as ‘Ethical Veterinary Practice’ in relation to prescribing of medicines by veterinary practitioners in Ireland.

The importation of veterinary medicines is controlled by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Prescribed medicines (‘POMs’) are dispensed in accordance with, and on presentation of, a veterinary prescription; therefore national legislation does not permit their supply via the internet or by mail order.

Veterinary medicines categorised as 'Licensed Merchant' (LM) may be sold without a veterinary prescription by outlets which are licensed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Medicines authorised by the IMB for animals that have a designated route of supply of ‘LM’ (Licensed Merchant) or ‘CAM’ (Companion Animal Medicine) may be purchased from internet sites or by mail order but only where the supplier is specifically licensed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. It is responsibility of the user to ensure that veterinary medicines are sourced in accordance with the legislation.

*For definitive legal interpretation, consult SI No 786 of 2007

The Irish Medicines Board - www.imb.ie

Supply and Importation