It is important when purchasing medicines for your greyhound that you buy same and effective veterinary products.

Accessing the latest veterinary medicines on the market is important for maintaining greyhound health and performance.

But if the product is not Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) approved, it may not provide a safe treatment for your animal or do the job it claims.

Illegal products may also be intercepted by the APVMA, wasting your time and money.

Products that meet the following criteria must be approved and registered by the APVMA before being legally manufactured, imported, sold, advertised or bought in Australia:

• Any veterinary chemical product that claims to provide a therapeutic benefit to an animal
• Any product administered to an animal by injection
• Human-use medicines used on an animal, unless prescribed by a vet
• Compounded medicines that are not formulated under a genuine veterinarian instruction.

APVMA approval means the product has been scientifically assessed as safe and effective when used according to the label instructions.

Simple actions to buy a safe and effective product

1. Flip the pack and check the back for the APVMA approval number
   2. Drop the product name into the APVMA’s registered chemical database to confirm registration portal.apvma.gov.au/pubcris
   3. Always use products as directed on the label
   4. Human-use medicines and compounded products can only be used to treat an animal if prescribed by a vet.
   5. If you’re unsure, speak to your vet.

What can I do if I’ve bought a suspicious or unregistered product?

It is illegal to advertise or offer unregistered veterinary medicines in Australia. Report suspicious or unregistered products to the APVMA at compliance@apvma.gov.au  or phone 1300 700 315.

Reports are treated confidentially and help ensure unsafe or ineffective products do not continue to be sold in Australia.