Tablets are the most common type of oral, non-prescription, individual-dose veterinary chemical products for use in companion animals. The tablets are usually registered initially for supply in a foil or blister pack.
We will generally not approve the supply of larger pack sizes of these same products when they are not packaged in foil or blister packs, without requiring a risk assessment that addresses the following issues:
- Some of the individual doses could be dispensed without the full label instructions being passed on to the end user. This has implications for efficacy and the safety of the target animal, as well as end user safety.
- The product container may be introduced into the home, where young children are more likely to be exposed to significantly larger quantities of the product. This may increase the possibility of accidental poisoning.
- The bulk-pack product is likely to be less stable and therefore requires a different shelf life than the foil- or blister-pack product.
To minimise risk, we may require separate registration of these products where supply in larger pack sizes is proposed.
We may also apply a condition to the registration of these products that require the product to only be advertised and supplied to registered veterinarians.
If you are unsure if a larger pack size can be added to your registered product or if your product requires a separate registration, please contact the APVMA for advice.
For specific labelling requirements related to this product type, please refer to the Veterinary Labelling Code.