Prescribing long-term controlled drugs

Scenario

Sunny’s Cocker Spaniel, Fido, had a cluster of seizures two years ago and, since then, has been prescribed phenobarbital twice daily.

Fido was given a six-month long prescription, and Sunny picks these up at monthly intervals.

Fido is usually seen at the practice every six months for a blood test and physical examination, but Sunny has been unable to get Fido to an appointment within this timeframe and cannot attend the practice for a further two weeks.

As such, Fido now risks being without phenobarbital until he can be seen.

The vet issues one further prescription phenobarbital to cover these two weeks before the dog can be examined again.

Things to think about

For all controlled drugs, in most situations veterinary surgeons should only prescribe 30 days’ worth of treatment. The exception being where there are long term ongoing medical conditions, for example, when treating epilepsy in dogs.

If more than 30 days’ worth of treatment is prescribed, the prescribing veterinary surgeon must be sure the owner is competent to use the medicine safely.

Under the new guidance, it is acceptable for a vet to issue a further prescription for a controlled drug previously prescribed, however, the vet should carry out a clinical assessment to ensure they have enough information to do so safely and effectively.

In line with general guidance on prescribing controlled drugs, they should only prescribe the minimum required.

Last updated: 9 February 2024