Pet owners sometimes face high veterinary costs, especially when it comes to purchasing medication. However, an alternative exists for owners: adding their pet to the pharmaceutical file, enabling certain prescription treatments to be obtained at reduced cost from pharmacies. However, access to these medications remains limited due to regulatory constraints and supply restrictions.

Jean-François Desgagné, President of the Ordre des pharmaciens du Québec, points out that pharmacists are experiencing supply difficulties. “There is only one wholesaler where pharmacists can obtain these drugs. Some manufacturers refuse to sell to pharmaceutical companies, which complicates access to treatment.”

In the past, pharmacists could buy directly from manufacturers, but this is no longer the case. The wholesaler acts as an intermediary and charges a profit margin. Although this practice facilitates inventory management, it can restrict access to certain drugs. 

A slowly improving situation

In theory, pharmacies should be able to obtain these drugs. However, despite some progress, several manufacturers still refuse to sell directly to pharmacies. The Ordre des pharmaciens du Québec continues to lobby Health Canada to improve the situation. “Our objective will always be to put health first, whether it's a human being or an animal,” says Jean-François Desgagné. 

Pharmacists who fill veterinary prescriptions are subject to the same ethical responsibilities as for human patients. They must guarantee the quality of treatments and ensure rigorous follow-up. “You have to put the patient's interests first. This is a fundamental principle of pharmaceutical practice”, reassures the President of the Order. 

Limited training in veterinary medicine

Pharmacists receive advanced training in pharmacology and pharmacodynamics, knowledge that applies to all living beings. However, there is little veterinary training in the pharmacy curriculum.

They must therefore develop their skills independently to ensure that they offer the most appropriate services possible. “If a pharmacist wishes to fill veterinary prescriptions. They have a duty to adapt their skills and keep abreast of the latest developments to ensure the safety of treatments administered to animals,” concludes Jean-François Desgagné. 

Towards greater collaboration between pharmacists and veterinarians

When asked about the lack of collaboration between pharmacists and veterinarians, the Ordre des médecins vétérinaires du Québec (OMVQ) acknowledges that this new reality requires a period of adaptation. “The possibility of obtaining veterinary drugs in pharmacies is a need that has recently become apparent among pet owners.”

However, the OMVQ is optimistic about how this collaboration will evolve. “This new reality implies a period of adaptation between pharmacists and veterinary doctors, so that customers find their bearings and professionals continue their inter-order collaboration.”

This cooperation should improve accessibility to veterinary care and strengthen public protection. “The OMVQ welcomes this collaboration between professionals, which will improve over time,” explains the Ordre des médecins vétérinaires du Québec.