Most do. According to the American Pharmacy Association and the National Assiociation of Community Pharmacists, compounding is done to some degree in 90% of all hospital pharmacies and 80% of all independent pharmacies. All pharmacists are permitted by law to compound as part of the practice of pharmacy: however, compounding pharmacists have learned skills above and beyond those they were taught in school. Compounding also requires a substantial commitment on the part of the pharmacy owner of time (each prescription is individually made in the pharmacy, not just transferred from one bottle to another) and money (for additional training and purchase of the specialized equipment that is required to make a quality product). There are now about 400 compounding only pharmacies in America, and many more in countries around the world. Compounding quality does vary along with the skill of the compounding pharmacist, and has an excellent safety record.

You also may click here to go to our discussion forums, where you can ask more questions about compounded medication.