Every pharmacist in the United States is trained to compound medicines. More than half of all local pharmacies provide specialized compounding services. Approximately 7,500 local pharmacies and 8,200 hospital and health institution pharmacies in the United States engage in compounding.
Oklahoma compounding pharmacists prepare drugs for people who can’t take conventional medications. They customize cancer medications, produce specialized drugs for children with autism and make intravenous solutions.
In short, compounding pharmacists fill the needs of patients that can’t be met by off-the-shelf, manufactured medications. These prescribed medications are prepared under strictly controlled conditions by specially trained compounding pharmacists.
Oklahoma has rigorous state laws governing the practice of pharmacy.
The Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy is an advocate for patient safety and regulates over twelve hundred pharmacies in Oklahoma. Three years ago, the Board took far-reaching measures to further protect our citizens by adding extensive new product rules to Oklahoma’s Pharmacy Practice Act. The amended rules require that all compounding pharmacies in Oklahoma adhere and follow strict regulations set forth by the Board. I remain confident this will continue to ensure patient safety and efficacy for all prescription products compounded by pharmacies in Oklahoma.
The national media attention has increased calls for the Food and Drug Administration to step up regulations of pharmacies. Fortunately, Oklahoma has taken proactive steps by implementing increased state regulations and adopting the professional standards issued by the United States Pharmacopeial Convention.
Oklahoma remains ahead of the curve in protecting the safety of our citizens and will continue to work with state and federal officials to insure the strength, quality and purity of all medications.
Phil Woodward, BSPharm, Pharm.D
Executive Director
Oklahoma Pharmacists Association
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