Experts at FTC Meeting Affirm Role of Pharmacist in Dispensing Veterinary Drugs

In a meeting coordinated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on October 2, 2012, veterinary and pharmacy experts affirmed the practice of pharmacists dispensing veterinary prescriptions. NABP staff provided an overview of the Vet-VIPPS® (Veterinary-Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice SitesCM) accreditation program for online pharmacies that dispense veterinary drugs and highlighted the Association’s role in helping to ensure the safety of pet medications through this program. An American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) spokesperson stated that the organization stands “behind the AVMA’s principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics which encourages veterinarians to honor a client’s request for a written prescription.” Meeting participant Dr Race Foster of Drs Foster and Smith, an online veterinary pharmacy, indicated that “the vast majority who attended the workshop recognized the role pharmacists have played, should play and will play in the future of veterinary medicine. Their role is seen as especially relevant in the dispensing of long-term therapeutic drugs such as prescription anti-inflammatories for arthritis and medications for heartworm control.” More information about the meeting is available in a Drs Foster and Smith press release and links to videos of the proceedings are available on the FTC Web site.