Steps for Veterinarians and Physicians to Take Before Doing Business With A Compounding Pharmacy or Pharmacist

Here is a list of items, which is by no means all inclusive, of practices that veterinarians and physicians can undertake to somewhat limit their liability and help determine if a compounded preparation is safe before using it:

Interview the pharmacist of the company and ask a lot of pertinent questions

Interview the marketing consultant or sales representative and ask a lot of questions.  Note: this person may in fact know a lot more about the business and what goes on than any other person or he or she may in fact know very little so be careful)

Obtain references from several colleagues that you trust and check with state pharmacy board and FDA to see if pharmacy or pharmacist has been disciplined.    Also google the pharmacy and pharmacist and see what information comes up in your search.  Note:  Not all state boards have there records on-line. For a number of states you will have to do an Open Records Request or Freedom of Information Request to Obtain the Information.  You would also be surprised at how many news articles claim a certain pharmacy or pharmacist is outstanding when in fact they have been disciplined by the state board of pharmacy or received a warning letter from the FDA.

Confirm the pharmacy has product liability insurance (although in cases such as NECC the insurance may not be enough to cover the claims) and obtain the best type of insurance you can to cover any potential claims.

Visit the facility, inspect the equipment, and visual determine if facility appears to be clean or sterile if you need sterile compounds 

Determine the sources of any bulk chemicals used in compounding to ensure they were manufactured in an FDA-approved facility; if the company is not willing to prove where it gets its bulk chemicals from then don't do business with it.

Ask yourself, "is this drug safe and effective"?  Would I want this drug used on my pet or given to my family member?

Disclose to animal owner or patient's information regarding safety and efficacy and obtain informed consent regarding use of compounded preparation and get  Indemnification

Remember these are just a few steps a veterinarian or physician can take to limit exposure to liability when it comes to compounded preparations,