The Compounding Medicine Controversy

957 Words2 Pages

The Compounding Controversy Pharmacy is a booming field when it comes to medicine, but it certainly has controversial issues such as compounding drugs. While the practice of making drugs customized to a patient seems ethical, there are problems that come along with it. Drug compounding was the norm in the past, but over time consumers began to see issues with it. Drug compounding still occurs to this day because some patients do need medicine specifically tailored to their needs. Compounding has also been the focus of recent disasters, some of which occurred less than two years ago. Whatever side one may take on this issue, it is clear that compounding medicine will be a polarizing issue for years to come. To begin, the Professional Compounding Centers of America defines compounding as “the art and science of preparing personalized medications for patients” (“What is Compounding?”). Drug compounding has a long history, which has been around for hundreds of years. The University Compounding Pharmacy (UCP) claims that “50% of all prescriptions were compounded in the 1940’s” (“History Of Compounding.”). Pharmacy owners, such as the pioneer Eli Lilly, helped compounding pharmacists get into manufacturing companies to create drugs at a rapid pace. Today, the Board of Pharmacy recognizes roughly 5000 compounding pharmacists, which fill 3% of the 4 billion prescriptions yearly. The UCP has produced over 100 compounding pharmacist technicians and 25 official compounding pharmacists. This organization is one of the largest compounding facilities in the United States (“History Of Compounding.”). To continue, compounding would be needed if a patient wants to change something about the medicine such as flavor or strength. It is vital that s... ... middle of paper ... ...ey. "Compounding Pharmacists Await Changes After Fungal Meningitis Scandal." ABC News. ABC News Network, 14 Mar. 2013. Web. 6 Apr. 2014. . "Pharmacy tied to fungal meningitis outbreak files for bankruptcy." NBC News. NBC, 21 Dec. 2012. Web. 3 Apr. 2014. pharmacy-tied-to-fungal-meningitis-outbreak-files-for-bankruptcy>. "Regulatory Information." FD&C Act Chapter V: Drugs and Devices. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, n.d. Web. 6 Apr. 2014. "What is Compounding? - PCCA - Professional Compounding Centers of America." What is Compounding? - PCCA - Professional Compounding Centers of America. PCCA, n.d. Web. 1 Apr. 2014. .

Open Document