Electronic veterinary prescription (REV): how it works

The REV system makes veterinary prescriptions digital. Owners must use the details supplied by the veterinarian and follow the pharmacy’s instructions, without using a prescription for a different product or animal.

What is the REV?

The electronic veterinary prescription is the digital record of a prescription in Italy’s national system. It does not change a medicine’s legal classification: when a product is prescription-only, the clinical decision and issue of the prescription remain the veterinarian’s responsibility.

The digital format improves traceability and oversight, but it does not authorise owners to substitute products or reuse prescriptions on their own initiative.

What owners need to do

Keep the references provided by the veterinarian and give the pharmacy the information required by the system. If a prescription cannot be found, has expired or does not match the animal, the pharmacy must check the case without recreating or altering the prescription.

Validity, repeat dispensing and quantity depend on the prescription type and medicine. A single rule cannot therefore be applied to every prescription.

Sources and documentary update

Documentation updated on 24 July 2026. This article summarises the official sources or professional guidance listed on the page and does not replace diagnosis, prescribing or instructions from a veterinarian. For any medicine, the summary of product characteristics or package leaflet for the specific presentation remains authoritative.

• Italian Ministry of Health — Electronic veterinary prescription (accessed 24 July 2026)

Editorial transparency: sources are listed so that the documentation can be checked. Professional review is stated only after genuine approval by a qualified, identifiable person.