1 0 2 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0
You've made the
decision to enlist
the services of a
compounding
pharmacy. Now
what? Start by ask-
ing the potential
compounding
pharmacist the
types of questions
that are guaranteed
to get to the heart
of how dependable and safe they are. Here are five must-ask
questions courtesy of Christopher Smalley, RPh, MS, MBA, a
pharmaceutical and compounding pharmacy consultant with
ValSource in Suburban Philadelphia.
1. What makes you qualified? Any compounding pharmacy
should provide very specific examples of why they're qualified to
mix medications. A compounder should be able to point to specif-
ic additional training they received in the area of compounding, or
be a part of an organization or association that is contributing to
the advancement of compounding. (You can find a listing of such
associations here: osmag.net/tF6oWU.)
2. Are you in compliance with USP <797> and <800> standards?
The easiest way to guarantee this level of compliance is by opting
SHOPPING FOR SAFETY
5 Questions to Ask Your Compounding Pharmacist
• SAFTY FIRST If you do opt to use a compounding pharmacy, ask whether they
have the equipment and resources to comply with USP 797 and 800 standards.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN,
CNOR
