It's interesting how the press really enjoys playing up to individuals that provide stories about certain aspects of daily life, including pharmacy compounding. Upon seeing and hearing the stories, one might think that anyone involved in compounding is a criminal. Such nonsense! Pharmaceutical compounding is probably the most demanding and important part of pharmacy practice today. Why? Just think about it.

In general pharmacy practice, we largely have those that dispense, a few that do strictly consulting/counseling and then we have those that compound. It was reported by NCPA in 2006 that approximately 70% of pharmacies do some compounding and virtually all hospital pharmacies do some compounding. Many are not aware that intravenous admixtures, pediatric dosage forms, geriatric dosage forms, total parenteral nutrition dosage forms, etc. all are compounded medications.

Compounding requires an incredible knowledge of not only the clinical aspects of drug therapy, but also the physicochemical and stability properties of drugs and other components that are involved in compounding a suitable dosage form. Some in pharmacy are not even aware of what compounding is!

When we see and hear stories about pharmacists that break the law and who are really the criminals, this reflects badly on all pharmacists. From the Missouri pharmacist involved in diluting cancer drugs, to the Florida pharmacists providing body-building steroids to professional teams�these are not compounding pharmacists�these are criminals!

And, when the press elects to "cast a broad net" by half-truths and slanted stories, they also become the criminal because of lies and "stealing" the professional reputation of the most trusted profession�pharmacists.

How can these criminal activities be abated or eliminated? First, if any of you are aware of improper activities of pharmacists, these activities should be reported to the state boards of pharmacy to handle. Second, the press and media can be dealt with by making yourselves available for positive, truthful stories about the value of pharmacy compounding in making patients lives better. Don't hesitate to speak out in support of our profession. Always remember:

If you are silent�you will be silenced!!!


Loyd V. Allen, Jr., Ph.D., R.Ph
Editor-in-Chief

This Regulatory Update has been provided by the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists (IACP). For more information, www.iacprx.org.

Compounding Legislation: It Hurts Everyone
Compounding Under Attack: Senators Draft Legislation for FDA to Control Compounding To find out more about this bill visit www.iacprx.org/Kennedy

IJPC's January/February 2007 issue, pages 20 through 24, discussed the use of sevelamer hydrochloride suspension to treat hyperphostemia in children with ESRD. See it at www.ijpc.com/backissues/ArticleDescription.cfm?ABS=2510

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Going Hands-free
Wireless earpieces for your landline telephone can save you time and money. When worn, simply press the button on the earpiece and the telephone will be answered. Walk and talk, then when the conversation is over, press the button on the earpiece to hang up. Even though you can't call out with these, they are very convenient for receiving calls and for talking while walking.