Unit B - Pharmacy and Laboratory Procedures

I.  Types of Medications

     A.   Over the counter drugs-can be purchased by anyone at any time

     B.   Prescription drugs-can only be ordered by licensed veterinarian

     C.   Controlled substances

1. Prescription drugs that have a high abuse potential
2. Regulated by the DEA
3. Can only be prescribed by licensed veterinarian
4. Must be legally stored behind two locks
5. The outer locked area must be permanently fixed in place
6. Limited access
7. Controlled substance log must be kept

     D.   Vaccinations

1. Given to prevent diseases
2. Most often given by intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intranasal routes
3. Frequency of vaccination depends on the specific disease being vaccinated against
4. Initial vaccines given to young animals must usually be boostered within 3-4 weeks of the very first vaccine

II.   Veterinarian/Client/Patient Relationship

     A.   In NC, a veterinarian must have performed an exam on the patient within the past 12 months to legally write a            prescription

III.  Reading a Prescription- a prescription written by a veterinarian will include the following information

1. Medication name
2. Medication strength
3. Method of administration
4. Amount to be administered   
5. Frequency of administration
6. Length of use
7. Amount to be dispensed
8. Special instructions
9. Number of refills
10. Veterinarian name and address
11. Owner’s name and address
12. Date
13. Veterinarian’s signature

IV.  Labeling a Prescription- NC law requires the following information be included on all prescription labels

1. Veterinary facility name, address, phone number
2. Name of prescribing veterinarian
3. Client name
4. Client address, if controlled substance
5. Patient name or ID number
6. Medication name
7. Medication strength
8. Date dispensed
9. Amount per treatment or use
10. Route of use
11. Frequency of treatments
12. Length or duration of use
13. Quantity dispensed
14. Expiration date
15. Number of refills
16. Special instructions

V.  Medication Storage

1. Oldest dates first
2. Remove outdated items
3. Store according to storage recommendations on insert
4. Room temperature or refrigerated
5. Away from direct sunlight
6. Dry
7. Alphabetical order