Section 2 | Reading Livestock Medicines Labels

Veterinary Prescriptions

What is a Prescription?

A prescription is a written (or verbal) order for a medication from a licensed veterinarian. The prescription communicates information about:

• The animal(s) to be treated
• The drug(s) to be used for treatment
• How the drug(s) are to be used
• Any special warnings (e.g. withdrawal times)

To dispense a drug means to administer, sell, distribute, or give away a drug. In Ontario, only a veterinarian or pharmacist may dispense a prescription drug. Commercial feed mills may dispense a prescription drug in mixed feed.

Veterinarians are required to leave written instructions with all medicines dispensed at a farm. When the medicines are to be used exactly as described on the label and are dispensed in their original containers, additional written instructions (over and above a written prescription) are not required.

What is on the Prescription?

Information that needs to be included on a written, signed prescription includes the:

• Name, strength, and quantity of the drug
• Name and address of the prescribing veterinarian
• Identity of the animal or group of animals in need of the drug
• Name of the client
• Directions for use (dose, route of administration, frequency, and duration)
• Date (day, month, year) the prescription is issued
• Withdrawal times
• Number of refills (if any) permitted
• The veterinarian’s license number issued by the College of Veterinarians of Ontario (CVO)

Prescriptions for Antimicrobials In-Feed

When a veterinarian prescribes medically important antimicrobials in feed (see Animal Owner FAASTsheet #3), the following must ALSO be included in the prescription:

• Animal production type
• Weight or age
• Type of feed
• Total amount of feed or feeding period
• Amount of drug used per tonne
• Manufacturing instructions
• Cautions
• CgFARAD* number if applicable