Drugs prohibited from extralabel use in food animals.

This privilege, however, is not can~ blanche; specific conditions must be met btIore a veterinarian may legally use or prescribe drugs in an extraIabel fashion for food-producing animals. These requirementsl-4 include a valid veterinarian-clIent-patient relationship and appropriate drug labeling and record keeping. Certain ~gs may not be prescribed or used even under AMDUCA auspices. Section 530.21 of the act clearly states that the FDA CenteI' for Veterinary MedidDe (CVM) may prohiliit the extI2label use of approved new animal or human drugs for a number of reasons. Thus far, FDA-CVM has prohibited 8 drugs or drug classes, making their extI2label use in food animals illegal Veterinarians violating state or federal laws regulating the transpon, sale, or use of drugs may face various sanctions, includl,ng warning letters, fines, temporary or pennanent revocation of their state veterinary license, or incarceration. Extralabel use of any of the prohibited drugs in food animals represents one of the FDA's highest priorities for regulatory attention. Because of the potential adverse human health effects resulting from the use of these drugs in food animals, FARAD will decline to routinely provide withdrawal intervals for them. However, in the event of accidental exposure, FARAD bas consulted with veterinarians and regulatory officials to deterDline periods after which tissue and milk might be safely marketed. This FARAD Digest provides background information to more clearly define the regulatory requirements regarding these compounds. The drugs are listed in the order in which they were prohibited. Except as described, these drugs should not be used in food animals.