Frontline


	CONTENTS

	Home Back to the opening page
	Frontline facts
	Statement from the Manufacturer
	UK Licensing UK law on the use of veterinary drugs
	Veterinary prescribing guidelines What vets should do when no licensed medicine is available
	Around the world Status of Frontline in some other countries

This is a statement that the manufacturer of Frontline, Merial Animal Health Limited, issued to us on the 18th August 2003.
It was approved by Rachel Smithson BVetMed MRCVS, Veterinary Technical Manager.

“Do not apply Frontline directly into the ears of ferrets, or indeed any other mammal. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and only apply Frontline topically.

“In the event of a ruptured ear drum, products introduced into the outer ear may enter the inner ear and cause damage. Frontline is not licensed in any species for use in the ear canal.


	On the 25th September 2003 Merial issued a further statement:

“Frontline is not licensed for the treatment of ear mites in any species.

“Frontline Spot On is licensed as a prescription only medicine (POM) for veterinary use in the treatment of fleas, ticks and lice.

“A POM status means that Frontline is only available on prescription following a diagnosis by a veterinary surgeon. The prescription itself can only be issued by a veterinary surgeon for animals ‘under his or her care’. The product may be obtained from either a veterinary surgeon or a pharmacist.

“Merial re-affirms that the best source of advice for the use of a prescription only product is the veterinary surgeon.

Veterinary surgeons will make clinical decisions based on their experience and the particular circumstances presented to them, subject to their legal obligations in respect of the duty of care they owe to the animals in their care. That will necessarily include the use of unlicensed medicines in the case of ferrets.
But when unqualified individuals promote an unnecessary and potentially hazardous routine treatment for ear mites in ferrets, without regard for veterinary authority, that should be completely unacceptable to anyone who cares about the welfare of ferrets.