Livestock producers will start noticing a change in how they access specific antimicrobial products, as some products will be switching from over-the-counter (OTC) to prescription only status as a result of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Guidance for Industry (GFI) #263.
The guidance calls for animal drug manufacturers to change medically important antimicrobial drugs from OTC to prescription status by June 11, 2023.
“We have long been committed to working with veterinarians and livestock producers to help them establish veterinarian-client-patient relationships (VCPR) that put the animal’s best interests at the center of the conversation,” said Mike Lormore, DVM, head of U.S. cattle and pork technical services at Zoetis. “Now more than ever, it is important to ensure that a VCPR is in place, and revisiting treatment protocols and where products are available will be keys to success.”
Antimicrobial products from Zoetis that will be affected include:
- Albadry Plus (penicillin G procaine and novobiocin sodium intramammary infusion) Suspension for cattle
- Albon (sulfadimethoxine) Boluses for cattle
- Lincomix (brand of lincomycin injection) for swine
- Liquamycin LA-200 (oxytetracycline injection) for cattle and swine
- Terramycin (oxytetracycline hydrochloride and polymyxin B sulfate ophthalmic ointment) for sheep, cattle, horses
- Terramycin (oxytetracycline HCl) Scours Tablets for cattle
The FDA has requested that label changes for these products be in place by June 11, 2023.
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“This change matches with our industry goal of helping veterinarians and producers be good stewards of antibiotic products through judicious use,” Dr. Lormore said. “Once the guidance is in effect, it is important that these products are used under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian going forward.”
Antibiotic stewardship and judicious use are keys to successful disease treatment and helping to provide the best possible animal health outcomes. Zoetis supports the livestock industry through a One Health approach for the responsible use of antimicrobials.
This approach includes advocating for the health of animals and those who care for them; innovating and investing in research that provides enhanced solutions; and collaborating with leaders in veterinary, human and public health as well as the food industry to preserve animal health and welfare.
“We strongly encourage producers to talk to their veterinarian about these changes to avoid surprises in where and how they can access animal health products,” Dr. Lormore said. “Don’t be caught unaware. Have a plan. Additionally, our commitment to supporting veterinarians and the livestock industry as a whole is unchanged, and we are providing resource materials and educational pieces on products that were previously available over the counter.”
This switch should prompt positive producer-veterinarian conversations that allow for revisiting animal health treatment protocols. Putting a plan in place now will help ensure access to the products needed later in the year.
Questions to keep in mind for those conversations:
- What prevention and treatments are recommended for operation-specific disease pressures?
- Will the antimicrobials I am currently using be affected by the switch?
- How can affected products be accessed after June 11,2023?
- Are there disease prevention protocols that could be implemented to help reduce disease risks before they occur and increase my operation’s success?
For more information about this transition, visit with your veterinarian and local Zoetis representative.
