The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) yesterday suspended the sale of all injectable formulations of the vital painkiller flunixin, without warning or consultation with the veterinary profession. Flunixin is the most commonly used analgesic in horses with colic, undergoing surgery and for other conditions. The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) is calling for the suspension to be overturned in horses not destined for the human food chain, to reduce the potential impact on equine welfare. Flunixin is used throughout the equine veterinary profession because of its highly potent analgesic effects. It is the only medicine licensed for the treatment of sepsis (endotoxaemia). The VMD’s decision reflects European Medicines Agency guidance relating to the human safety of the solvent used in the injectable formulation, not the active ingredient. To date, no recall notices have been issued and therefore veterinary surgeons may continue to prescribe medicines held in stock, although disruption to ...