APhA CAUTIONS AGAINST NEW Rx COMPOUNDING RESTRICTIONS

Drug compounding is “a critical component of the American health care system,” according to a statement from the American Pharmacists Association (APhA). Congress should think twice before enacting legislation that would place new limits on the ability of pharmacists to produce compounded pharmaceuticals, the association said in an appeal to the Senate Special Committee on Aging.

Proposals granting the FDA expanded powers to restrict pharmacy’s compounding authority are under active consideration on Capitol Hill. The APhA argued that such limitations would limit health care options for all Americans.

“Compounding allows pharmacists and physicians to address the health care needs of patients who do not fall within the range of commercially available dosage strengths and formulations,” the APhA told Congress.

“Virtually all practicing pharmacists will be involved with compounding activities at some point during their career,” said the association.

APhA is one of 9 pharmacy organizations that sent a joint letter to the expected sponsors of the draft legislation of the Safe Compounding Act of 2007. The group stated that the legislation “would negatively impact patient access to necessary compounded prescription medications and create onerous, new requirements for prescribers and pharmacists.” For a related article, go to www.pharmacytimes.com/compounding.