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Veterinary Drug Classifications

All medication provide by MyPetsVet are supplied in accordance with the following UK classifications system.

In the United Kingdom, the regulatory agency responsible for issuing these veterinary classifications is the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). The VMD is an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), and is responsible for ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of veterinary medicines. The VMD also sets the legal status of veterinary medicines, and provides guidance on their use and distribution.

The veterinary classifications of POM-V, POM-VPS, NFA-VPS, AVM-GSL, and CD are all established and regulated by the VMD in the UK.

The veterinary classifications POM-V, POM-VPS, NFA-VPS, AVM-GSL, and CD are regulatory classifications used in the United Kingdom to describe the legal status of veterinary medicines.

  1. POM-V (Prescription Only Medicine - Veterinarian): These are veterinary medicines that can only be prescribed by a veterinarian or a veterinary surgeon. The medicines in this classification are considered to be potentially dangerous, and require professional expertise to use. Examples of POM-V medicines include antibiotics and steroids.

  2. POM-VPS (Prescription Only Medicine - Veterinarian, Pharmacist, Suitably Qualified Person): These are veterinary medicines that can be prescribed by a veterinarian, pharmacist or a suitably qualified person. These medicines are still considered to be potentially dangerous, but their use is not restricted to veterinary professionals only. Examples of POM-VPS medicines include flea and tick treatments.

  3. NFA-VPS (Non-Food Animal - Veterinarian, Pharmacist, Suitably Qualified Person): These are veterinary medicines that can be prescribed by a veterinarian, pharmacist or a suitably qualified person for non-food animals, such as horses and pets. These medicines are considered to be low-risk, and their use is not restricted to veterinary professionals only. Examples of NFA-VPS medicines include wormers and wound sprays.

  4. AVM-GSL (Authorised Veterinary Medicinal Product - General Sales List): These are veterinary medicines that can be sold directly to the public without the need for a prescription. These medicines are considered to be low-risk, and their use does not require professional expertise. Examples of AVM-GSL medicines include dietary supplements and grooming products.

  5. CD (Controlled Drugs): These are veterinary medicines that are subject to legal controls under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. These medicines have the potential to be misused, and their use is strictly controlled to prevent harm to animals and humans. Examples of CD medicines include opioids and sedatives.