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Some compounding pharmacies specialize in veterinary medicine exclusively. While this may seem like a desirable setup – specialization means higher quality in most other sectors – unfortunately, veterinarian compounding is not held to the same standards as that for human consumption. This lack of oversight means that veterinarian specific compounding pharmacies do not have to follow the same rules, which leaves the veterinarian liable for anything that goes wrong with the medication.
Veterinary only compounding pharmacies do not have access to the same range of medications as a dual pharmacy. Limited access to supplies limits the diversity that allows for innovation. This means that fewer creative solutions can be found for your specialty and special needs patients.
Regulations for Veterinary Only Compounding Pharmacies
Human compounding pharmacies are required to report licensure and other information to the FDA. Veterinary compounding pharmacies have no such regulations to guide them. Becoming accredited is much harder for a human compounding pharmacy. Using a pharmacy that serves both animals and humans assures they are taking the same amount of care with the veterinary prescriptions because they want to keep that accreditation.
The accreditation and regulations required of human compounding pharmacies ensure the pharmacy is making safe and effective medications for animals. This keeps the veterinarian’s license safe by ensuring that he or she is prescribing to an accredited pharmacy.
Diversity Allows for Innovation
Filling a large number of prescriptions for various disease states in humans and animals allows for the creation of fresh new ideas. What works for one species may be modified to work for another. Innovative dosage forms allow for creative news ways to administer medication, which increases the overall health of the population.
Innovation tends to happen on the human side first, because more money and research is being put into it. Compounding pharmacies that make both human and veterinary medications will be the first to see the newest technologies and be certified in their use across the board.
Limited Access to Supplies
When it comes to compounding pharmacies, more is more. Certain vendors only allow you to place an order if you are a compounding pharmacy for human medications. Having multiple vendors allows you to choose the most cost effective medication available and to ensure that they are from FDA registered facilities.
Without access to FDA registered suppliers, you are putting the patient at risk by prescribing a medication that may be adulterated or misbranded. Prescribing incorrect medication can leave you liable if the animal suffers a negative reaction.
Using a compounding pharmacy that makes medications for both humans and animals is safer for both the veterinarian and the animal. Consider limiting your prescribing habits to a compounding pharmacy that is accredited and only uses FDA registered facilities.
Make sure that you are keeping your patients safe by prescribing with a combined human and veterinary compounding pharmacy. Being aware of your options is the first step to ensuring the safest and most effective treatment options for your patients. Contact EPC to speak with one of our experienced compounding pharmacists.
