Specialty compounding for improved patient care: 2006 national survey of compounding pharmacists

Pharmacy compounding is re-emerging as a critical area of pharmacy practice. This re-emergence has generated considerable discussion among stakeholders of the pharmacy profession about how pharmacy compounding is best regulated to ensure the safety and efficacy of compounded preparations. In light of this discussion, the American College of Apothecaries conducted a survey in August 2006 that was sent to compounding pharmacists, the list of which was provided by the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Compounding. The purpose of the survey was to (1)assess the safety and efficacy of compounded preparations as reported by compounding pharmacists, (2)describe the types of compounding and other professional services that are offered by these pharmacists, (3)describe selected business information for compounding pharmacies, and (4)monitor changes in the compounding pharmacy landscape since the 2005 National Survey of Compounding Pharmacists, the results of which were published in the November/December 2006 issue of the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Compounding. State boards of pharmacy were surveyed for reports of problems related to instability of compounded preparations and adverse reactions caused by compounded preparations. Data trends in this study are similar to those reported in the 2005 survey, also conducted by the American College of Apothecaries. Repsondents reported relatively few adverse events caused by compounded preparations. These respondents, many of whom are independent pharmacists, offer a variety of compounding, professional, and patient care services. Of 18 responding state boards of pharmacy, four noted reports of compounding problems in their state.