OTC Change to Rx
What Animal Medications are Changing to Rx Prescription?
As of June of 2023—medically important antibiotics changed from over-the-counter (OTC) to prescription (Rx).
The FDA announced medically important antimicrobials used for livestock, previously available for purchase over-the-counter, now require a prescription from a veterinarian to purchase—even when the animal is not intended for food production. This follows through as part of the FDA’s effort to reduce antibiotic resistance in medically important medications for humans and animals. These products include penicillins, aminocyclitols, oxytetracyclines, sulfonamides (sulfa’s), lincomycins, tylosins, cephapirins and cephapirin benzathines.
The manufacturers of these products have created the label changes and we’re working through our non-Rx inventory before switching over to the Rx labelled products. You can purchase these items without a prescription, only while the non-Rx supplies last in our warehouse. Call us for details at 877.608.3877 or email [email protected]
The Rx products, once available to purchase from your local farm store, are now only available through your veterinarian and animal health pharmacy (pending the sale of our current non-Rx inventory). To make your Rx purchase, a valid VCPR (veterinary client patient relationship) must be established with a veterinarian. And a prescription from this veterinarian will need to be on file. This also applies to owners of dogs, cats, backyard chickens, small ruminants, pet pigs, and other animals.
Proper usage of antibiotics is critical to the health of our animals and us. Improper use of antibiotics can contribute to antibiotic resistance. It’s important to use antimicrobials appropriately, and only as necessary. The responsible use of antibiotic outline in the FDA’s GFI 263 is in efforts to combat the growing concern of antibiotic resistance in both human and the animal health industry. The following medications will require veterinary oversight for their use:
Aminocyclitol
Cephapirin
Lincomycin
Oxytetracycline
Penicillin
Sulfonamides
Tylosin
The change of antibiotics status in medically important drugs from over-the-counter to Rx in agreeance between the FDA and drug manufacturers to market as such moves the responsibility under the direction of the experts—your veterinarians. As advocates for the health and wellness of your animals, this change will help reduce inappropriate usage and promote proper administration, encouraging responsible use of antimicrobial products. Antibiotics will be available to use as indicated under the supervision of a veterinarian.
Please let us know if you have any questions about this change or how to fill your prescriptions with us. Call us at 877.608.3877 or email [email protected]
