Current Problems of Pharmaceutical Compounding in Hungary.

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• A significant majority of compounded (magistral) medicinal products in Hungary are prescribed individually, outside the official National Formulary (Formulae Normales or FoNo).
• Lack of comprehensive understanding of these non-FoNo compounded products has hindered regulatory efforts to address typical problems.
• The field of compounded medicines in Hungary is outdated and facing a crisis, with doctors prescribing products of unproven efficacy, safety, and stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the characteristics and common errors in Hungarian non-FoNo compounded medicinal products.
• To provide an overview of the current state and historical context of compounded medicines in Hungary.
• To propose reforms for the field of medicinal compounding in Hungary.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from the www.magisztralisvenyek.hu database (available since 2020).
• Review of characteristics and typical errors in compounding non-FoNo preparations.
• Historical analysis of the current situation in medicinal compounding.

Main Results:

• The www.magisztralisvenyek.hu database allows for detailed study of compounding characteristics and errors.
• A significant portion (85-90%) of compounded prescriptions fall outside the official formulary.
• The current system in Hungary lags behind developed countries like Germany, indicating a crisis in compounded medicine.

Conclusions:

• Urgent reforms are needed to address the outdated and problematic state of medicinal compounding in Hungary.
• Improved understanding and regulation of non-FoNo compounded products are crucial for patient safety and efficacy.
• The study highlights the need for evidence-based practices in compounded medication prescription.