Clarity on compounding: Educating patients on the role and safety of compounded medications
Work Type
Poster
Abstract
Compounded medications play a critical role in personalized patient care when commercially available drugs do not meet specific patient needs. However, growing patient interest in compounded medications, especially those accessed through online sources, has raised important safety concerns. A patient education resource is necessary to help individuals understand when compounding is appropriate, emphasizing that it is typically warranted when a patient requires a customized dosage, formulation, or ingredient exclusion that is not otherwise available.1 In addition, medications that are listed on the FDA’s drug shortage list are available to be compounded.2 One notable example is semaglutide, a medication utilized for type 2 diabetes and weight management, which has seen a surge in online compounded versions. Due to supply shortages, semaglutide was able to be legally compounded from March 2022 until April 2025, however the compounded formulations were not FDA approved and there have been quality and safety concerns regarding the compounded versions.3,4 Providing patients with clear, accessible information is essential to ensure they make informed decisions, recognize legitimate use cases for compounded medications and understand potential risks associated with compounded medications.
Publication Date
5-15-2025
Citation Information
Laudenbach, Grace, "Clarity on compounding: Educating patients on the role and safety of compounded medications" (2025). Student Works Physician Assistant. 38.
https://digitalcommons.dmu.edu/stu_pa/38
