AVA Submission on the Proposed amendment to the Poisons Standard - Meloxicam

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has submitted an application to create a new Schedule 6 entry for meloxicam that captures injectable preparations, at up to 2% concentration, for the pre-surgical treatment of sheep undergoing husbandry procedures. The proposed change would mean that injectable meloxicam (currently S4, and thus prescription-only) would be available over-the-counter and online without veterinary oversight.

The AVA does NOT support the amendment as it provides opportunity for uncontrolled use of a potentially dangerous drug in a broad number of species, including humans. We have outlined below the basis of our arguments, including the risks to animal health and welfare, and risks to public health.

Read the full submission here.