“Before the advent of multi-billion dollar drug companies, pharmacists were compounders by definition. It has been estimated that ‘a broad knowledge of compounding’ was still essential for 80 percent of all prescriptions dispensed in the 1920’s.” 1

   Industrialization meant that many of the medications that the pharmacist prepared could be mass-produced more economically, and in some cases, more elegantly, due to the equipment possessed by manufacturers. Specialties made locally by the compounding pharmacist were replaced by patented drugs which were widely marketed by the drug companies. But, many health care professionals now realize that bigger is not always better, and that one size does not fit all, and once again, realize the advantage of prescribing compounded medications that can be customized by the local compounding pharmacist to solve problems that have not responded to commercially available medications, or to facilitate treatment of patients who are unable to take commercially available medications. Certainly, improved technology and new discoveries in chemistry and physiology have enhanced the modern pharmacists’ ability to formulate unique preparations to meet specific patient needs. A pharmacist who has received advanced training in the art and science of extemporaneous compounding and who possesses the proper equipment and quality ingredients, can work together with the patient and his/her physician, dentist, or veterinarian (and other health care professionals who are licensed to prescribe) to customize a medication containing the proper dosage of the needed drug(s) in the most appropriate dosage form for administration by the preferred route. Now, approximately 2 to 5% of all prescriptions in the U.S. are for compounded medications.

   In addition to providing medications in strengths, flavors, and dosage forms that are not commercially available, compounding pharmacists can also prepare medications that are temporarily unavailable or have been discontinued for non-safety issues such as decreased usage or short shelf life which makes the medications unprofitable to mass produce.

   Compounding pharmacists are regulated by their State Boards of Pharmacy and are required to follow federal guidelines known as USP chapters 795 (for non-sterile) and 797 (for sterile compounding). Compounds can be assayed for potency, and in the case of sterile preparations, for sterility. In addition, professional organizations have established rigorous accreditation standards, and excellent continuing education courses and international seminars are available, allowing compounding pharmacists to network with their colleagues and discuss novel preparations that meet specific patient needs.

1 Dentaltown, July 2007; 8(7):62-66.

Copyright 2008, Storey Marketing - Compounding News. All rights reserved. Questions regarding this article should be directed to the compounding professionals at Moye's Pharmacy.