Compounding pharmacy

A compounding pharmacy prepares a medicine for an individual patient's specific need when an appropriate commercially available product is unavailable or unsuitable. Compounding requires suitable expertise, facilities and legal compliance. It is not automatically safer, more effective or more personalised in a clinically meaningful way simply because a product is made to order.

When might compounding be considered?

A clinician and pharmacist may consider it when there is a genuine need that an appropriate commercial product cannot meet. The reason should be clear, and available evidence and risks must be considered. Convenience or a marketing claim alone does not establish suitability.

The Pharmacy Board's guidance sets professional expectations, including circumstances in which pharmacists should not compound. A pharmacy should not proceed if it lacks the necessary skills or equipment, or if the preparation is not supported as safe and appropriate.

For the Australian guidance behind this explanation, see Pharmacy Board of Australia: Updated guidelines on compounding of medicines.

What should I ask before agreeing?

Ask why a compounded preparation is being considered, whether an appropriate registered alternative exists and what is known about quality, stability and use. Confirm storage instructions, expiry or beyond-use information, cost and how to report a problem.

Compounded preparations do not necessarily undergo the same product-by-product TGA evaluation as registered commercial medicines. That distinction should be explained rather than hidden behind a general statement about regulation. The prescriber and pharmacist each have responsibilities in assessing and supplying treatment.

Can I order it through any online service?

Do not assume a prescription request will result in a compounded product or that every pharmacy can prepare it. The doctor decides whether prescribing is appropriate, and the pharmacist must assess the preparation and legal requirements.

Read Doccio's prescription service information for its current scope. This glossary does not promise access to compounded medicines. Avoid products offered without appropriate clinical assessment or unclear ingredient, storage and supply information, and ask a pharmacist if anything about the proposed preparation is uncertain.

Where to go next

Read prescription consultations to understand the relevant service. A doctor decides whether a consultation, examination, referral or another pathway is appropriate for your situation.