OCP debates how much leeway pharmacists should have when filling pet prescriptions

Ontario pharmacy professionals are one step closer to receiving formal guidance on giving medications to animals, after the Ontario College of Pharmacists' (OCP) board of directors voted Monday to send a draft policy out for public consultation.The board approved the 60-day consultation as Ontario prepares to implement a new Veterinary Professionals Act, which initially sought to have veterinarians be the only professionals authorized to dispense medications for animals, potentially disrupting the ability of some pharmacies to continue filling veterinary prescriptions. The draft policy emerged after the veterinary regulator asked OCP to establish clear expectations for pharmacists who provide these services, as part of an exemption allowing them to continue doing so.The motion to initiate the consultation carried, but only after an extended discussion about one of the draft policy's provisions: a requirement that pharmacists dispense veterinary prescriptions exactly as written unless a veterinarian approves any changes.Under the proposed policy, “pharmacy professionals must sell or dispense a drug exactly as prescribed,” and “modification of any component of the prescription must be approved by the veterinarian prior to provision to the client.” The requirement applies to the drug itself, as well as its brand, dose, dosage form, strength and directions for use.Several board members questioned whether the language could undermine the policy's stated goal of improving access and affordability, particularly not being able to offer a different brand when receiving a prescription. “The principle here is public interest. It's about lower cost, increased choice, accessibility,” said director Akil Dhirani, arguing the requirement could reduce competition by steering sales toward higher-cost veterinary products. Dhirani also feared the policy in its current form could create practical problems should pharmacists be limited to particular manufacturers. “Imagine it's a Friday evening, and you're the only pharmacist on duty in the dispensary, and that prescription comes in from a walk-in veterinary clinic,” he said. "That won’t be fun, trying to reach out when you're trying to look after your [animal] patient.”However, other directors argued the stricter language was necessary to protect animal patients. Director Jennifer Antunes pointed to meloxicam as an example of a drug where formulations used safely in humans may not be appropriate for dogs, particularly smaller breeds.“I'm not in agreement to change this in any way . . . I would much rather spend that extra $50 or that extra $500 to make sure that my pet is going to get the right medication that's good for them.” OCP staff who presented the draft guidelines to the board said the provision was included directly in response to concerns from the veterinary community about substitutions by pharmacists in the past that have led to harm.They also stressed that the draft policy does not create a new area of practice. Rather, pharmacists have long compounded veterinary prescriptions, but changes under the Veterinary Professionals Act require clearer expectations about how pharmacy professionals fit within the new framework.The draft policy does not require additional mandatory training. Under the proposed rules, pharmacy professionals could continue providing services to animals without specific education requirements, provided they practise within their knowledge, skills and judgment.The consultation will gather feedback from pharmacists, veterinarians, pet owners and other stakeholders before the policy returns to the board for final approval.

OCP debates how much leeway pharmacists should have when filling pet prescriptions

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