Classification of veterinary medicines in Ireland

In the European Union, veterinary medicines are categorised as either requiring a veterinary prescription or not. This classification is based on the evaluation of risks involved in handling, storing or using the medicine, along with compliance with legal requirements set by the legislation.

Under national legislation, medicines categorised as requiring a prescription can be denoted by the symbol ‘POM’. They are dispensed based on a veterinary prescription and cannot be supplied via the internet or by mail order. Some POM products are restricted for use only by veterinary practitioners and cannot be dispensed to farmers or other users. In these cases, the package leaflet of the product specifies that they are administered only by a veterinarian. 

For medicines not requiring a veterinary prescription, they are further classified under national legislation as follows:

• POM(E): These medicines can be supplied by a veterinary practitioner for animals under their care, or by a pharmacist.
• LR: These medicines can be supplied by a veterinary practitioner, pharmacist, or by a responsible person from a pharmacy or from a licensed retailer.
• CAM: These medicines can be supplied from a veterinary practice, pharmacy, or licensed retailer, or from a premises that is registered with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Veterinary medicines categorised as 'LR' (‘LM’ previously) may be sold without a veterinary prescription by outlets licensed by DAFM. Medicines categorised as ‘LR’, or ‘CAM’ may be purchased by mail order or on the internet, but only from suppliers specifically licensed by DAFM. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine determines which categories of prescription medicines can be dispensed by Licensed Retailers, in addition to medicines denoted LR and CAM. If you have any questions regarding prescribing and dispensing practices, you can contact the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

For veterinary medicines authorised before 18 January 2022, the approved method of supply of the medicine, or the relevant symbol denoting the supply route, was displayed on the product label or outer container of the medicine. However, since January 2022, the labelling requirements have changed and the method of supply is now stated on the package leaflet. Existing products must upgrade their labelling to comply with the new requirements before 28 January 2027. 

Previously, there were other supply categories under national legislation, but they were revoked in 2022. Some products with the older categories still displayed on their labelling may continue in circulation until January 2027.

The Veterinary Council of Ireland webpage has published a code of professional conduct document, known as ‘Ethical Veterinary Practice’ regarding the prescribing of medicines by veterinary practitioners in Ireland.

Visit the Allocating the Method of Supply webpage for more details of the HPRA policy. DAFM regulates the importation of veterinary medicines that may be needed for special circumstances, including their supply classification.