Extra-Label Drug Use (ELDU)

Position:

"The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) encourages Canadian veterinarians to use and prescribe approved veterinary drugs as per label indications and dosage.  However, the CVMA recognizes that extra-label drug use (ELDU) is  justified if the prescribing veterinarian has scientific evidence that it is in the best interests of the animal, and the circumstances of the use are in accordance with the provincial veterinary association's policy or guidelines on ELDU.

The CVMA believes that only veterinarians are qualified to order the ELDU in animals.  ELDU by veterinarians must only be performed within the confines of a valid veterinarian/client/patient relationship.

When prescribing extra-label drugs to food-producing animals, veterinarians must educate themselves and their clients on appropriate withdrawal times and the liabilities associated with non-approved use.  Further, veterinarians must not use any drugs that are prohibited for use in food producing animals."

Background:

• Veterinarians play a pivotal role in the health and welfare of animals;
• Canadian consumers, livestock producers and pet owners rely on veterinarians to use the appropriate drugs in their animals, and to assure the safety of foods of animal origin;
• In Canada, veterinarians enjoy the privilege of prescribing extra-label and carry the responsibility for this privilege;
• Approved drugs are not always available for the complete range of species, disease conditions, production types, ages, etc., encountered by veterinarians in day to day practice;
• Canadian veterinarians are regularly exposed to valid foreign information regarding uses for drugs other than those approved in Canada. Many of these uses are not on the Canadian label as a result of regulatory differences or the lack of registration harmonization between countries; and
• The professional training and experience of veterinarians place them in the best position to counsel clients on the special requirements and responsibilities associated with extra-label drug use.

Revised November 2002