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What to Look for in a Compounding Pharmacy Pharmaceutical compounding requires a higher level of dedication to pharmacy than just mixing and requires that all pharmacists be specially trained and knowledgeable about the strengths and challenges of compounding. A compounding pharmacy should be able to provide you with a reservoir of compounded prescription monographs to help you understand the great range of drugs and administration routes available. A good compounding pharmacy should be able to help you write a special compounding prescription. Like patients, no two pharmaceuticals will behave the same. The ability of a pharmacist to formulate a new compound increases with time and experience. Highly qualified compounding pharmacists can usually discuss the potential formula with you immediately. This does not mean they will have an instant answer, but that he or she should, at least, be able to review the possible dosage forms applicable to the specific compound. The ability to create a new formula is truly a large part of the art of compounding. Look for a compounding pharmacist who has been certified in compounding by, The National Association of Compounding Pharmacists, especially if sterile products are involved. For the pharmacist to have the appropriate knowledge and experience is only part of the requirements you should seek of a compounding pharmacy. A compounding pharmacy must be comprised of pharmacists, pharmacist technicians, and supporting staff that makes more than a commitment to quality, they must live it each moment they are in the pharmacy. Steps should be taken by the pharmacy to review even the smallest mistake. Always ask for proof of a pharmacy’s commitment to quality. If a pharmacy cannot provide hard copy proof in specific terms, stay away.
The compounding facility must make sense for the pharmaceuticals produced. If a pharmacy makes sterile products and follows the standards set forth in the United States Pharmacopoeia, it must have gowning anterooms and class 100 clean rooms of adequate size. If you intend to have sterile products compounded, ask for a floor plan that will show this. Pharmacists will counsel patients about the medications they intend to use. Ideally, the pharmacist counsels your patients on a one-on-one basis. This way, the patient gets the instructions directly from the pharmacist who is responsible for compounding your prescription. Proper counseling will enhance patient compliance and patient outcome. Ask how they will achieve this. Integrating compounded medicines into one’s practice is simple. It requires no special equipment or financial investment on behalf of the doctor. It will take a minimal amount of your time to develop a relationship with a compounding pharmacist and to gain the necessary knowledge to write a compounded prescription. The investment of time will yield far greater dividends than you may expect. |
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Consider also the equipment the
pharmacists will use in compounding. Proper equipment with regular equipment
calibration and maintenance is a must. Minimum quality standards require
written records of calibration and maintenance routines. Ask for them. A
compounding pharmacist, like a surgeon, is only as good as his tools allow
him to be.