In a nationwide study we conducted among veterinary practices, 99% said that “having access to compounded preparations from a pharmacy” is very or somewhat important to them. In fact, almost one-half of the practices we surveyed prescribe compounded medications at least once a week. Seven in ten practices prescribe compounded medications at least monthly and nearly two in ten do so every day.
The use of custom-compounded medication is woven into the weekly activities of most veterinary practices. With fewer pharmaceutical compounds manufactured for animal use and the widespread off-label use of drugs manufactured for human health, compounding is key to veterinarians, their clients and the animals in their care.
Veterinarians told us that they choose the compounding pharmacies they trust carefully. A majority of practices do business with just two compounders and one in four prescribe from just one. They said that product consistency (89%) and a good reputation (81%) are most important to them in selecting a compounding partner. But no small number also said that other factors, too, are important to their choice. These include:
- Availability of dosage-forms/flavors: 73%
- Prior experience with the pharmacy: 73%
- Delivery speed: 72%
- Knowledgeable customer-service: 64%
- Large selection: 58%
- Ease of ordering: 56%
- Professional packaging/labels: 53%
- Access to pharmacists: 52%
With a list dominated by quality, knowledge, selection and speed, only about one in four said that “the lowest price” is a key factor in selecting the compounding pharmacies with which they do business.
Learn more about the role of compounding in veterinary practice
We've recently published a guide to compounding pharmacy in veterinary practice as an ebook downloadable from our website. In it, you will get a comprehensive overview of
- the most commonly prescribed compounds
- when to and when not to prescribe a compounded medication
- how dosage forms and flavoring may increase patient (and owner) compliance
- instruction on how to write a prescription for a compounded preparation
- statistics on how veterinarians are using compounds in their own practice
- information on how to choose a compounding pharmacy for your practice
Your copy of the Guide to Compounding Pharmacy in Veterinary Practice from Wedgewood Pharmacy is now available for download.
 |
Renee Lupo, R.Ph., F.A.C.A., F.A.C.V.P.
Technical-Services Pharmacist |
Connect with Wedgewood Pharmacy:      |
About Renee Lupo
Renee Lupo, R. Ph, F.A.C.A., F.A.C.V.P., technical-services pharmacist for Wedgewood Pharmacy, was the company's lead
technical/clinical pharmacist, working with prescribers and their staffs to develop custom formulations. She passed away on May 31, 2012,
after a brief illness. A scholarship was established in
her name at the University of the Sciences.
Disclaimers:
The views expressed on this blog are solely those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of Wedgewood Pharmacy.
Medications compounded by Wedgewood Pharmacy are prepared at the direction of a veterinarian. Many compounded preparations are commonly prescribed, and supported by literature, to treat particular disease states, but you should always consult your veterinarian before taking or administering any compounded medication. Wedgewood Pharmacy does not make claims for the efficacy of its compounded preparations.