Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK
Cat Health & Behaviour => Health & Behaviour General => Topic started by: JackSpratt on July 25, 2007, 12:01:00 PM
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Am I allowed, by law to get a prescription for medication from my vets if the treatment is ongoing?
I asked my vet who said "we don't do that." Surely, legally they have to otherwise they're endangering an animals wellbeing?
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I understand by law they have to do that but I dont know which law grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, only have seen it posted on here so hopefully others, maybe Milliesmum will be able to advise. Or Lynn.
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Thanks Gill. Thinking ahead....having checked up a few more sites on HyperT I think Old Mog may have it. She does the manic running around at 4 in the morning, doesn't groom especially well these days and a couple of other things that I can't remember at this moment in time!
I might browse and see if I can see which law it is that stipulates they have to give me a prescription.
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Mine always make you wait at least 24 hours before you can pick a prescription up from them and they begrudge doing it (so far I've only asked for prescriptions for Milbemax).
As far as I understand it the vets have to give you a prescription free of charge if you ask for one (they might just whinge at you about it lol)
When Boopy had to have antibiotics I bought them from the vet as she had to start them that day and they worked out at £1 a tablet but online they are about 36p a tablet! I will keep that in mind for future if they need antibiotics but don't have to start them that day.
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My vets were always fine about it and used to ask me when I took Tiggy for her monthly jabs whether I needed another prescription, if I rang up they would need 24 hours notice but I think that's fair enough. I have to give my Doctors 48 hrs notice so was actually getting a better service from the vets!
Below is taken from the bestpetpharmacy website http://www.bestpetpharmacy.co.uk/faq_info.asp
The law changed in 2003, allowing pharmacies to dispense veterinary medication http://www.competition-commission.org.uk/rep_pub/reports/2003/478vetmeds.htm The purpose of that was to create competition in the market with the aim of reducing pet medication prices for members of the public. Traditional High Street pharmacies tend not to stock medicine for animals. Bestpet Pharmacy started up to offer a lower priced alternative (compared to vets) to buying medication for your pet
In October 2005 the law was changed again to prevent vets charging their customers for providing prescriptions http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/20052751.htm
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I asked my vet who said "we don't do that
Thats naughty as legally they are supposed to offer an alternative source, although iv never been offered it, if i ask i will get.
If she is hyper t then you will save a small fortune buying online, they have to see her regularly for her to be "under their care" but she will need regular checks anyway.
If she is i hope she stabilises quickly and doesnt need too many tests.
Q. How do I get a prescription for my pet?
You can only get a prescription for your pet by visiting your veterinary surgeon. It works the same as getting a prescription from your doctor for yourself. After a clinical examination your vet will decide if your pet needs an item known as a prescription only medicine. They can then either write out a prescription themselves or before attending your appointment you can print off a superstarpets prescription and they can fill this in. It is an offence for your vet to refuse to supply you with a prescription. A prescription should always be offered to you and your vet is not allowed to charge you for writing a prescription.
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I also thought they had to give you a prescription and not charge for it either.
The only time i have asked for one was for Stronghold and although my vet did it, it was clear he wasnt happy about it but tough prunes !!
(NOTE i put "prunes" myself rather than having it changed for me hehe i'm getting good arnt i :rofl:)
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:rofl:
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Makes me cross how ars*y some vets can get about giving you a prescription. Mine make me feel really bad for asking but the amount of money they'll be getting off of me per year I am now brave enough to ask for a prescription to save myself £2.50 on a Milbemax tablet!
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I have to budget really carefully, so if Old Mog does need regular medication I'll have to ask for a prescription. I already buy a regular supply of caninsulin from them, they can't have everything!
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NOTE i put "prunes" myself rather than having it changed for me hehe i'm getting good arnt i
10/10, It would be a shame to upset someone wouldn't it? Trouble is newbies may think you are nuts (hope that is not considered an upsetting words to someone). ;D
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(NOTE I put "prunes" myself rather than having it changed for me. hehe I'm getting good arent I :rofl:)
:evillaugh:
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yep the competition and free trade laws would definitely cover it, but the vet surgery might have a particular in-house policy. Possibly this would allow them to circumvent this law, on the basis that you have a choice of vets ........ but it would have to be a written policy and they would probably also be required to have it conspiciously displayed in the waiting/reception area .........
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I do not think any inhouse policy could get round the laws and if they write it down and diplay it , it provides evidence that they are breaking the law.
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the vet surgery might have a particular in-house policy. Possibly this would allow them to circumvent this law, on the basis that you have a choice of vets ........ but it would have to be a written policy and they would probably also be required to have it conspiciously displayed in the waiting/reception area .........
Nope, there is no way round it, check out the links I posted a bit further down - it's against the law to refuse and/or charge for issuing one.
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well in that case, if they refuse then report the blighters.
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There is a clause that allows them to charge reasonable costs for paper etc but i dont think many bother.