What is a prescription?

This is a written instruction from a vet explaining which medicine is required, the dose to be given, and details about the patient and person who prescribed it.

How do I buy prescription medicines from you?

We can only dispense prescription medicines under the following 2 scenarios: 

1. You are a registered client and your horse is currently under the care of Dr Espinar and has been prescribed the product.

Or

2. You have been issued a valid veterinary prescription; this needs to be reviewed by a Dr Espinar prior to dispensing.

When ordering prescription medicines on our site, you will therefore be required to select an option at checkout; either:

“I am a registered client ordering a prescribed medicine” or “I am not a client and understand that I will need to email a valid prescription to the office before the order will be dispatched”.

Which authority  governs prescriptions and the supply of veterinary medicines?

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is responsible for overseeing the supply of veterinary medicines for animals. They are a British Government department attached to DEFRA. Their guidance notes regarding all aspects of Veterinary Medicinal Products can be viewed here.

Which medicines require a prescription?

Some medicines are legally classed as prescription-only in order to ensure your horse’s health and safeguard the general public. This is because certain medicines may cause harm if used incorrectly. You can buy prescription-only medicines from your vet, a pharmacy, or an authorised internet retailer. On our website, all medicines are clearly labelled as “Prescription required”, with a lock icon. You will be required to upload a valid prescription before checkout.

How do I get a prescription?

You have to ask a vet to provide you with a signed prescription. There will be a small charge for this. You then need to upload the prescription or send it to us before we despatch any “prescription only” medicines.

How long are prescriptions valid for?

In accordance with RCVS regulations, veterinary prescriptions are valid for 6 months. After this time, we will usually need to visit and do a check-up on your horse before issuing another prescription. We do offer “repeat prescription”, which allows you to buy the medicines a specific number of times. For example, you may have a prescription for a box of sachets that will last for two months. If this is authorised for 3 repeats, you can therefore buy one box 3 times within the 6 month period (meaning you will have enough to last for the whole 6 months, without needing to request another prescription for each individual box).

Can vets refuse to issue a prescription?

Legally a vet is obliged, on request, to issue a written prescription for a medicine they would be prepared to sell to you themselves. Note the guidelines above regarding potential check-ups. Remember that legally, only vets can decide which prescription-only medicines are to be used in any particular animal.

Can I return prescription medicines if my animal no longer needs them?

Due to VMD pharmaceutical regulations regarding the safe dispensing, storage and condition of medicines, all dispensed items (prescription and non-prescription) are non-returnable and non-refundable. We do not accept returns of any medication, for any reason. If you have unwanted or unused medication, it can be disposed of safely by a vet.

What additional restrictions are there for Controlled Drugs?

For safety reasons, we do not sell controlled or scheduled drugs to our clients.

Where can I find more information about Authorised Medications?

Information about all UK authorised medicines can be found in the “Summary of Product Characteristics” (SPC) datasheet, which are available on the VMD website here.

How can I report a suspected problem, side effect or lack of effect regarding a medicine I have used?

Occasionally some sort of side effect, or other adverse response, will result from the use of medication in animals. Anyone can report a suspected adverse reaction (vet, nurse, animal owner or keeper, etc) on the VMD website by clicking here.e