Compounding Pharmacies: What to Look For

If you’ve decided to use a compounded medication for your pet, the next step is choosing a pharmacy. This article discusses some steps to take and things to look for to find a reputable compounding pharmacy.

State Licensing

Most importantly, avoid any compounding pharmacy without a license. All compounding pharmacies are required to hold a valid license from their home state’s board of pharmacy. If they ship to patients in other states, they usually need an additional, non-resident license for the state they are shipping into. Being unlicensed is a major warning sign that a pharmacy is not legitimate.

In most states, you can check a pharmacy’s license through the state board of pharmacy. Links to every state’s license database are available on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website. Another way to find your state’s database is by searching “state board of pharmacy license lookup” on Google.

If you are unable to find license information online, consider contacting the pharmacy. They should be able to tell you their state licensure number and whether they are licensed to ship in your state.

Accreditation

While all pharmacies must be state licensed, a small number take an extra step and become accredited. Accreditation by the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB) is the gold standard. When a compounding pharmacy has this designation, it means they follow rigorous standards for quality and safety. You can determine whether a pharmacy is accredited by looking for the PCAB seal or logo on the pharmacy’s website.

Training and Experience

Competent pharmacists and technicians are critical to safe and effective compounding. Don’t hesitate to ask about the pharmacy’s history, the qualifications of its staff, and their training. If you are considering a specific drug, such as compounded trilostane, you can also ask about their experience with that.

Customer Service

How a pharmacy treats its customers can tell you a lot about its quality. Look for a pharmacy that is responsive to questions, addresses any concerns you may have, and provides clear information. They should also be willing to discuss their compounding process and quality assurance procedures, so that you can be comfortable with the drug your pet is receiving.

Word of Mouth

It’s always a good idea to read customer reviews for any compounding pharmacies you are considering. The experiences of others can tell you a lot about a pharmacy’s reliability, drug quality, consistency, and potential drawbacks, among other things.

Talk to Your Veterinarian

You will need a veterinarian’s prescription before ordering a compounded drug. If you have questions about finding a reputable pharmacy, your veterinarian may be able to steer you in the right direction. Most veterinarians know which compounding pharmacies are the most highly trusted and can provide recommendations based on your pet’s needs.

Additional Questions

Here are some questions you might want to ask before deciding on a compounding pharmacy.

Do you use xylitol in your compounded drugs? The answer should be NO. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs.

Do you source your active ingredients from FDA-registered facilities? If you are in the United States, the answer should be YES.

Do you have a quality assurance program in place? The answer should be YES. Quality assurance is critical to ensuring compounded drugs are safe and effective.