SOME pharmacies in Victoria have been carrying out complex compounding in circumstances that do not meet guidelines and/or legislative requirements, the Victorian Pharmacy Authority (VPA) has said in its latest Communiqu.
VPA inspectors reported on concerns around cases where compounding of hazardous substances such as hormones has taken place without appropriate personal protective equipment or without a powder containment cabinet.
"This type of practice presents significant risks to the safety of the public and pharmacy staff," the VPA said.
"In several cases, compounded medicines were supplied by a compounding pharmacy to another pharmacy for on-supply in breach of therapeutic goods legislation."
The Communiqu urged all pharmacists undertaking or considering undertaking complex compounding to thoroughly research relevant guidelines and legislation and undertake appropriate risk assessments.
Apart from the VPA's own guidelines, the Communiqu referenced those of the Pharmacy Board of Australia, along with the Board's Background on the regulation of compounding by pharmacists and Professional practice profile for pharmacists undertaking complex compounding.
The Extemporaneous Dispensing chapter in the current Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary and Handbook (APF 24) was also mentioned.
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