Pharmacy compounding is the preparation of personalized drugs for patients. The word “compounding” simply means mixing specific ingredients in the right dosage to meet a patient’s medication requirements. This type of individualized drug preparation comes in handy in cases where a patient may require a drug that pharmaceuticals no longer manufacture or a child may require a flavored medication to make it easy to take.
Regulation of Compounding Pharmacists
The mixing and preparation of this type of drugs takes place at a compounding pharmacy. Such a pharmacy must comply with strict regulations and standards set by bodies such as the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB). This shows that the pharmacy employs trained pharmacists, sources drug ingredient from FDA registered facilities, and complies with PCAB’s quality control and assurance standards.
FDA Approval of Compounded Drugs
Although compounding pharmacies may have to comply with certain FDA regulations, the agency does not necessarily approve the drugs they prepare. According to the FDA, it does not verify the effectiveness, quality, or safety of such drugs. Nevertheless, pharmacies that compound drugs must comply with regulations set out in section 503 of the FDCA. This means that compounding pharmacies cannot use misleading statements or wordings when labeling the drugs they prepare. In fact, misbranding is a federal offence that can attract stiff fines and long jail terms. In addition, each state’s pharmacy board has the responsibility of carrying out day to day oversight of these pharmacies.
Benefits of Using Compounding Pharmacy Services
Firstly, it is easy to combine various medications into a single dosage making it convenient and easy to use. Secondly, people who are allergic to certain medications can get allergen free drugs. Thirdly, individually tailored drugs are unlikely to produce serious side effects in patients. Fourthly, healthcare providers can prescribe specific and exact dosages instead of commercially available drugs that may not meet the desired dosage strength. Fifthly, it is easy to prepare medications that meet the individual preferences of children as well as adults. For instance, a compounding pharmacy can prepare liquid medication for a child who is unable to swallow pills. A compounding pharmacist can also prepare medications in gel, cream, injectable solution, capsule, or rectal suppository form.
Overall, if you or a loved one requires drugs in a dosage that is not commercially available, you should visit a compounding pharmacy. A well-trained pharmacist will be able to prepare the right mix of drug ingredients in a form that suits your preferences. The good news is pharmacy boards at the state level and bodies such as the PCAB provide oversight on compounding pharmacists