THE art and science of compounding medicines is alive and well in Australia, according to a new article in the latest issue of Australian Prescriber.
Dr James Falconer and Associate Professor Kathryn Steadman of the University of Queensland explain that some people might have very specific needs when it comes to medicines, such as needing an individualised dose that can't be purchased ready-made, or a medicine that can be delivered via a feeding tube.
"All pharmacists have training to prepare simple compounded products that might include different types of creams, liquids, tablets or powders, and these can be made in any community pharmacy or hospital," said Falconer.
"However there are other more complicated types of compounded medicines such as injectable preparations, products with a safety hazard, modified-release dosage forms, and some eye medicines.
"To prepare these, pharmacists require further postgraduate training, as well as specialised facilities and equipment.
"There are specialist compounding pharmacies in most major towns and cities around Australia."
The article emphasises that while all the components of the medicine including the active and non-active ingredients are subject to quality standards, the final medicine itself is exempt from assessment by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, and there is no assessment of the final product.
Stability of the end product therefore becomes an important consideration, the authors state.
"To minimise the risk of a compounded medicine degrading before use, it will usually have a short-term expiry date compared to a mass-produced medicine.
"For example, the expiry date on most oral or topical products will be 28 days, while injectable medicines are likely to have a 24-hour expiry."
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 03 Feb 17
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