Pain in animals: Viewpoint of the french national veterinary medicines agency//Douleur chez l'animal, point de vue de l'agence nationale du médicament vétérinaire
Résumé
The regulatory classification of drugs used for the management of pain in animals causes problems for veterinary surgeons, which depend on the animal species. The drugs available for food-producing animals must not generate residues toxic for the consumer (MRLs). Therefore, the consumption of foodstuffs of animal origin must take into account the withdrawal period specified in the drug's marketing authorisation, or a fixed withdrawal period for off-label use. Consequently, there are few drugs available in this indication, as their development is hampered by the lengthy evaluation and authorisation procedures imposed on the manufacturers of veterinary medicinal products. If a drug has not been authorised for veterinary use, the prescriber may use a drug authorised for human use, a drug authorised in another member country, or a drug prepared as an extemporaneous mixture. But these alternatives provide only a partial solution to the scarcity of adequate drugs. A simplification of the procedures involved in drug marketing authorisations and MLRs is expected to promote the introduction of new medicinal products. Prescribers must comply with strict prescribing and dispensing rules due to their pharmacological classification. Dispensing renewals have time limits, which vary depending on the treatment. The relevant authorities have set up restrictions to avoid misappropriation or misuse, but these rules place an additional burden on the access, use, and storage of such drugs.