Compounding is the process of creating a medication that’s tailored to the needs of an individual patient. For example, some patients may need a medication in liquid form when the FDA-approved drug comes in a tablet. Additionally, a pharmacy can compound medications of FDA-approved drugs that are listed on the FDA’s shortage list.
Compounded drugs are prepared by state-licensed compounding pharmacies that meet federal and state requirements, including quality standards. When compounding in compliance with federal and state law, compounded drugs are not subject to FDA approval and are not evaluated for safety or efficacy.