Qualities Of A Good Compounding Pharmacy

Finding a regular pharmacy may be as easy as driving down the block, but locating a trustworthy compounding pharmacy can take a bit more time and effort. Here are some of the key indicators of an excellent compound pharmacy. 

Registered with the FDA

The first thing to look for when you're choosing a compounding pharmacy is a facility that's registered with the Food and Drug Administration. This will show that the pharmacy is making every effort to comply with the latest standards for laboratory techniques. 

Has a State-of-the-Art Lab

You'll also want to check to make sure that the lab has modern equipment, along with sterile surfaces and good handling procedures. Aside from explaining the lab procedures over the phone, some compounding pharmacies may offer tours so that you can see how your medications will be handled in the lab. 

Checks Every Prescription Thoroughly

Another thing to ask your compounding pharmacy is how they check the medications to make sure that compounds were made correctly and in the right volume. The lab should have some standard checks in place, such as checking the yield, weight and volume of a completed compound to make sure that the results are as expected. If something went wrong during the creation of the compound, one of these metrics may be off and the medication should be remade. 

Uses Third Party Quality Control Methods

Aside from consistent internal checks, a great compounding pharmacy should use outside sources to check the quality of the work. For instance, a third party may be called in to check the samples for sterility. Having these outside checks for sterility can show that the lab is dedicated to the upkeep of each and every sample, since the samples will be chosen at random to be checked.  

Tests Lab Technicians Regularly

It's also important to check to make sure that the lab technician's skills are complete and updated. Ask your compounding pharmacy how often they evaluate their lab technicians' work; a review at least every six months will help to keep the workers' skill set sharp. 

These are only a few of the ways that you can test a compounding pharmacy to make sure that they can provide safe and reliable medications. It's important to feel comfortable with the quality of your compounding facility, so be sure to ask as many questions as you need to gain confidence in your choice. Click here to learn more.