Archive for September 2009

Code of Practice

Under the Veterinary Medicines Regulations, a Code of Practice is issued by the Secretary of State which is obligatory on all SQPs. As the changes to the 2009 Regulations don’t really impact significantly on SQPs, there is no new Code, and the text from 1 October 2008 continues in force under the 2009 Regulations.

Pharmacovigilance – SARs

VMD have published their annual report on Suspected Adverse Reactions for 2008. I encourage SQPs to read it as important background including some areas on which VMD would welcome further reports. Very few SAR reports are made by SQPs: that is for a variety of reasons, including that newer POM-V products tend to produce more reports while people get used to them, and that if there are problems, farmers and pet owners may go to their vet, or SQPs may encourage them to go to their vet.

SQPs are reminded that is their professional duty if they become aware of a suspected adverse reaction, or a case of suspected lack of expected efficacy, that it should be reported – ideally both to the medicine company and to VMD. Reporting forms can be found in the back of each SQP’s copy of the NOAH Compendium. More details of pharmacovigilance and more forms are on the VMD’s website.

Your new Secretary General

I am your new Secretary General, and  started with AMTRA on 14 September. I have a two-week transitional period before Roger Dawson retires on 30 September.

Before joining AMTRA I was for 14 years Technical Executive at NOAH, looking after technical and regulatory matters relating to animal medicines, being closely involved with VMD on the drafting of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations and having input to the development of the core EU Directive. I also provided some of AMTRA’s IT services since 1994, which has helped bring some familiarity with some of the administrative tasks at AMTRA.

I look forward to working with Lesley and Sue in the AMTRA office, with Bob Stevenson, Peter Rudman and the rest of the AMTRA Board and Council, and with all of you, to build on the work that has been done to improve the work of AMTRA, and to build on the professionalism of SQPs to ensure the VPS sector remains strong and successful, providing high quality advice to the animal owner.

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