The month of May represents a huge milestone in healthcare. For the first time in over three years, the expiration date of the public health emergency declaration for COVID-19 has passed by without renewing! And, while I am not naïve enough to believe that COVID-19 is no longer a health issue for many, there is still something surreal about the fact that the public health emergency declaration has ended. It is, indeed, a major milestone that warrants a great deal of attention. Table of ContentsRemembering Overflowing Hospitals & Uncertain TimesThis is a milestone that reminds me of the momentous task thrust on our healthcare providers these past years. I am reminded of the overflowing hospitals and the images of makeshift patient care spaces that popped up in parking lots across the country. On a personal level, I am reminded of the home oxygen unit that sat in our living room for months as my otherwise healthy wife struggled to recover and maintain appropriate saturation levels. I remember the uncertainty of what a positive swab might mean for our young toddler who could not understand what was happening. I remember the struggles in grasping for a medical answer: the theories that peaked, only to fizzle into the growing abyss of chaotic informational garbage. I remember the confusion that patients had as they read about these theories on social media and were looking to their pharmacists for something concrete and actionable.
freeCEâs Role As A Continuing Education Provider In The Pharmacy IndustryAs a CE provider, we quickly realized that our company was facing an unprecedented need for quick, concise, and reliable information about COVID-19. Moreover, this information was seemingly changing by the day. Our usual processes and timelines simply were no longer adequate for this shifting need. Very early on, the concept of the âweekly doseâ was born, with the intention of sharing the very latest in COVID-19 developments. We pulled together some of the brightest minds in the country, many of whom were quite literally paving the way on the immunization front. We pulled in infectious disease specialists. We pulled in a Spanish language expert to help pharmacists and technicians alike address the immediate needs of our nationâs Spanish-speaking population. On multiple occasions, we worked with faculty members to re-work programs when guidance changed, making yesterdayâs program obsolete. With the introduction of a novel vaccine, the need for more qualified immunizers was immediate. And, while pharmacists across the country stepped up in masses to meet the need, it was often not enough to meet the growing line of patients filing down the aisles in chairs spaced six feet apart. It was a real and jarring image.
States & Pharmacy Technicians ImmunizingIn some states, pharmacy technicians had already been successfully immunizing prior to the pandemic. On a federal level, that skill was quickly recognized, and provisions were made to permit technician immunization with defined training pieces in place. Our team again quickly worked with industry leaders to develop one of the most agile training programs in the country for pharmacy technician immunization training, pairing the technician with an onsite pharmacist mentor and preceptor. Some state boards around the country have recognized that value and have subsequently moved to implement policies making these provisions a permanent part of state practices. With these provisions extended through 2024, the opportunity for other states to join the growing trend is encouraging.
Adapting In The PharmacyOur healthcare heroes on the front line pristinely shifted and adapted to the changes. Protocols changed. Quarantine guidelines changed. Best treatment practices changed. You name it. It likely changed at some point. All of this was happening amidst unprecedented volume in our nationâs hospitals and pharmacies, many of which were already operating at critical staffing levels. YOU are, without a doubt, healthcare heroes! This month marks a wonderful milestone to reflect on what that means. You may never know what lives were saved by the tireless administration of vaccines. You may never know what tragedies were avoided simply by helping patients distinguish the known from the unknown, fact from fiction, and safe from dangerous information. For this, we are honored to have supported you in a small way by being a reliable and consistent source of information. In many ways, COVID-19 underscored and highlighted a claim that I continually make to our leadership teams: we are offering so much more than the opportunity to âcheck the boxâ and meet state regulatory requirements for continuing education.
More Than Just CE for Pharmacy WorkersPharmCon freeCE is so much more. It is current, relevant information that professionals immediately put into practice. And, we are honored to be a part of every memberâs arsenal of tools, whether that be in fighting back against COVID-19, the opioid crisis, professional burnout, or whatever lies beyond the next bend. We stand with you! The public health emergency has expired! Take the time to celebrate that fact with your team. You are truly lifesaving heroes. Celebrate! freeCE is dedicated to providing pharmacists & pharmacy technicians the best continuing education platform to provide better patient care, and help further your knowledge and career. Get Started with a FREE trial ? The post Covid-19: A Novel Milestone appeared first on freeCE. Via https://www.freece.com/covid-19-novel-milestone-pharmacy/
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More than three years after initially declaring a public health emergency due to the COVID-19 outbreak, both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced an end to the public health emergency. Letâs explore what this announcement means for pharmacy technicians and their ability to administer immunizations moving forward. Table of ContentsPharmacy technicians have always been key members of the pharmacy team. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the significant contributions that pharmacy technicians make to public health, particularly as they were at the forefront of mass vaccination efforts. Whether administering vaccines, managing inventory, scheduling appointments, or handling logistics, pharmacy technicians helped millions of Americans get vaccinated. With the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE), how will the role of pharmacy technicians change?
Emergency PowersWhen HHS first declared a public health emergency in January 2020, it granted the agency several emergency powers, including the ability to:
Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) ActHHS also invoked the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act which was initially passed into law in 2005. It was designed to help the United States prepare for and respond to public health emergencies. The PREP Act provides liability protection to manufacturers, distributors, and other organizations that develop and provide medical countermeasures, such as vaccines, drugs, and other treatments, in response to a public health emergency.
Pharmacy Technicians Authorized To Administer Vaccines to 3+ Years of AgeIn October 2020, then HHS Secretary Alex Azar announced that qualified pharmacy technicians nationwide would be allowed âto administer FDA-authorized or FDA-licensed COVID-19 vaccines to persons ages three or older and to administer FDA-authorized or FDA-licensed ACIP-recommended vaccines to persons ages three through 18 according to ACIPâs standard immunization schedule.â HHS subsequently allowed pharmacy technicians to administer seasonal influenza vaccines to adults age 19 and older. This proved to be a pivotal decision by HHS as it enabled pharmacy technicians to help vaccinate millions of individuals across the country. Only a few states allowed pharmacy technicians to administer immunizations before the COVID-19 pandemic, with Idaho being the first state to adopt the practice. This move was somewhat controversial at the time, with skeptics insisting that pharmacy technicians were not qualified to engage in immunization administration. There were also concerns about how this would impact pharmacistsâ immunization authority as some states still limit pharmacist-administered immunizations to certain vaccines and age groups. Advocates for this change noted that it was possible to train pharmacy technicians to safely perform the technical task of medication administration. While there is still skepticism among certain groups, pharmacy technicians have clearly demonstrated the impact they can have when trained and allowed to administer vaccines. A number of articles published in pharmacy journals describe the growth in immunization training programs, increasing acceptance among pharmacists with firsthand experience working with immunizing technicians, and improvements in pharmacy workflow. Pharmacy technicians have also expressed satisfaction with providing immunizations. Brian McKnight, CPhT-Adv, of Anchorage, Alaska stated âI never thought I would be providing vaccines to anyone, let alone a brand-new vaccine that was developed to help stop a global pandemic. In 2020 I became a technician vaccinator and when the Pfizer vaccine became available, I was able to staff mass vaccine clinics with a team of pharmacists and technicians. Through this experience, I felt truly validated as an important part of the healthcare system.â In early 2023, HHS announced that the COVID-19 PHE would end on May 11, 2023, spurring confusion within the healthcare community about how the end of the PHE would impact liability protections that were extended through the PREP Act. It was unclear whether pharmacy technicians would still be able to administer immunizations. National pharmacy associations immediately contacted HHS to alert them to the confusion and urge them to issue clear guidance for what would happen after May. Consequently, in April 2023, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra announced his intent to amend the PREP Act declaration to ensure that certain pharmacy-provided COVID-19 vaccines and related health care services will continue through December 2024. This means qualified pharmacy technicians can continue administering COVID-19 and influenza vaccines through the end of next year, regardless of state law.
PREP Act TemporaryRecognizing that the PREP Act authorities were temporary, many state pharmacy associations, state boards of pharmacy, and state legislatures collaborated over the past few years to ensure that techniciansâ immunization authority would continue beyond the pandemic. As of May 2023, 27 states have already made permanent changes to pharmacy laws and regulations. Some boards of pharmacy had the authority to do this through rulemaking processes, while others had to work with state legislators to pass legislation enabling such a change. At the time of publication, there were 20 additional states with pending legislation to codify techniciansâ immunization authority.
Credentialing Varied By StateStates have taken different approaches to what training or credentials are required for pharmacy technicians to administer vaccines and what vaccines may be administered. In some states, pharmacy technicians must hold a national certification and may only administer COVID-19 and influenza vaccines. A few states allow pharmacy technicians to administer any injectable medication that pharmacists can administer. In all cases, pharmacy technicians must complete an immunization training program to engage in vaccine administration.
Celebrating Frontline Pharmacy Workers For Their Hard WorkPharmacy technicians deserve endless praise for how they stepped up during a global pandemic. The reality is that they have always been vital contributors to immunization efforts, but it took a public health crisis for regulators to take notice. Pharmacy technicians have proven time and time again that they are capable of this work, and the future of pharmacy depends on it. The post The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Has Ended. What Comes Next? appeared first on freeCE. Via https://www.freece.com/pharmacy-covid-19-post-crisis/ Hepatitis-B rates have declined by 82% since 1990. For the unfortunate 18%, however, we can discuss drug therapy for treatment of Hepatitis-B. Of the chronically infected people, 15% to 25% of these patients develop chronic liver disease. This includes things like cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer. freeCE offers MicroCE opportunities via our blog. We hope pharmacists and pharmacy technicians find value in this information. Table of ContentsFIRST LINE TREATMENTS for Hepatitis B
NRTI for the treatment of HIV that has been available in the US for the treatment of HIV since 2001. This medication is also approved for HBV treatment since 2008. Resistance to this medication has yet to be identified.
Approved November 2016 and is indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in adults with compensated liver disease
Second Line TreatmentsSeldomly used, but might be considered if cost is a concern.
1. Entecavir (Baraclude®)FDA approved Dec 2005 for the treatment of adults with evidence of active viral replication and either evidence of persistent elevations in ALT or AST or histologically active disease. Has no activity against HIV.
2. Lamivudine (Epivir HBV®)FDA approved in December 1998 for treatment of Hepatitis B infection, and HIV infection. It is also used for prevention of re-infection after transplantation for hepatitis B-induced cirrhosis
3. Adefovir (Hepsera®)FDA approved September 2002 for HBV âtypically not recommended due to weak anti-viral activity.
4. Telbivudine (Tyzeka) by Idenix (FDA approved October 2006)
5. Peginterferon alfa-2a (Pegasys®)Indicated for adult patients with HBeAg positive an HBeAh negative chronic HBV with compensated liver disease.
6. Treatment naïve patients with chronic positive HBV
Best treatment options: Tenofovir (Viread or Vemlidy). Ideal for treatment naïve. Most treatment failures are due to poor adherence. Best reference: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2019/0301/p314.html
HEPATITIS C TREATMENT
Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are a class of prescription medicines that are FDA approved to treat adults with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. These medicines are available as single-ingredient products and in combination with other HCV medicine.
To decrease the risk of HBV reactivation in patients co-infected with HBV and HCV, health care professionals should:
NOTE: The gold standard treatment for Hepatitis-C was previously peginterferon alfa plus ribavirin. Genotype 1 is the hardest to treat, and is also the most common genotype in the U.S. These patients may undergo a shorter treatment duration than those with genotype 2 or 3 (e.g., 8-24 weeks vs 16-24 weeks treatment respectively). In addition, patients with genotype 2 or 3 need only sofosbuvir and ribavirin for treatment.
1. PEG Interferon alfa-2a (Pegasys 180mcg)
2. Ribavirin (Rebetol)
FOUR MECHANISMS of ACTION for HCV TREATMENT1. **PROTEASE INHIBITORS** â âprevirâ
2. **DIRECT ACTING ANTIVIRALS**: â âasavirâ
3. **NUCLEOTIDE POLYMERASE INHIBITORS**
4. **NON-Nucleoside Polymerase Inhibitor **
COMBINATION THERAPY FOR HEPATITIS-C TREATMENTHarvoni® [Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir] (Gilead Sciences)
Viekira® Pak â by AbbVie â Approved 2014
Zepatier® (elbasvir 50 mg/grazoprevir 100 mg â Approved April 2016
Epclusa® [Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir] â Approved 2016
Mavyret®: (Glecaprevir/pibrentasvir): Approved 2017
First line treatment for typical Genotype-1a patients without cirrhosis
PHARMACIST ROLE:
There is so much information on this website: You can key in the genotype, the subclass, cirrhosis etc. and it will take you to the menu options for treatment.
Have a great day on the bench!!
Related Resources: The post Overview of Hepatitis B and <br>Hepatitis C Treatment appeared first on freeCE. Via https://www.freece.com/drugs-treat-hepatitis-b-hepatitis-c/ I donât have a great fear of many viruses, but this one scares the living daylights out of me! I canât think of another virus that can be infective seven days later. The fact that a blood spill can remain infective for 7 days, this virus has earned a great deal of respect from me! Hippocrates described âepidemic jaundiceâ in the fifth century BC. âSerum hepatitisâ was first reported in 1883 when a bunch of German shipyard workers got their smallpox vaccine that contained human lymph.When I got my license to administer injectables 15 years ago I was required to get immunized against Hepatitis-B, so now I have a healthy respect, but not as much fear Table of ContentsHEPATITIS-B TREATMENTHepatitis (HBV) is a small, double-stranded DNA virus in the family Hepadnaviridae. Hepatitis B is spread when blood, semen, or other bodily fluid infected with the virus enters the body of a person who is not infected. The incubation period of HBV is 60-90 days. People can become infected with the virus during activities such as:
Most cases are asymptomatic, however persons with acute HBV may progress to chronic HBV. This is seen in approximately:
HEPATITIS-B PREVALENCE FROM 2020 â The numbers are in
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/statistics/2020surveillance/hepatitis-b.htm
How long does the Hepatitis B virus survive outside the body?
How should blood spills be cleaned from surfaces to make sure that Hepatitis B virus is gone?
Signs, Symptoms, and Transmission of HBV
Now for some Good News!
Vaccines for Hepatitis-B per ACIP recommendations:
|
· Havrix: available as: | · Vaqta available as: |
· 360EL.U/0.5ml (pediatric) | · 25u/ 0.5ml (pediatric, adolescent) |
· 720EL.U/0.5ml (pediatric) | · 50u/ 1ml (adult) |
· 1440 EL.U/1ml (adult formulation) |
Children 1-18 | Vaccine | Dose | # of Doses | Schedule in Months |
Havrix | 720elu | 2 | 0, 6-12 months later | |
Vaqta | 25u | 2 | 0, 6-18 months later | |
Adults Over 19 | Vaccine | Dose | # of Doses | Schedule in Months |
Havrix | 1440elu | 2 | 0, 6-12 months later | |
Vaqta | 50u | 2 | 0, 6-18 months later | |
|
Vaccine Efficacy:
- Highly immunogenic
- More than 95% of adults develop protective antibody within 4 weeks of a single dose.
- More than 97% of children and adolescents will be seropositive within 1 month of the first dose.
Have a great day on the bench!!
Reference: LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2012-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.Snih.gov/books/NBK547852/
The post Pharmacist Guide To Hepatitis. History, Medications, Vaccines & More. appeared first on freeCE.
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The Role of the Veterinary Pharmacist
Pharmacists are the only health care professionals legally allowed and expected by society to provide care for all species. Over 75% of community pharmacists encounter animal prescriptions in their routine practice, but fewer than 25% of pharmacy schools offer didactic curriculum on this topic, so many pharmacists and techs are deficient in this knowledge.
Table of Contents
Additionally, the boom of pets in U.S. households during COVID has created a shortfall of veterinarians to provide timely and comprehensive care, presenting an opportunity for community pharmacists to expand services to the animal population with a modest amount of additional training. There is also the opportunity for pharmacists to specialize in this area and consider themselves veterinary pharmacists.
Job Description of a Veterinary Pharmacist
A veterinary pharmacist is a trained professional who specializes in the preparation, dispensing, and monitoring of medications used in animal health care. The role of a veterinary pharmacist involves working closely with veterinarians, animal owners, and other members of the animal health care team to ensure that animals receive appropriate and effective treatment.
The primary responsibility of a veterinary pharmacist is to dispense medications for animals, including both prescription and over-the-counter products. They must have a thorough understanding of pharmacology, dosage forms, and pharmaceutical calculations, as well as an understanding of the unique physiology and behavior of various animal species.
In addition to dispensing medications, a veterinary pharmacist also plays a critical role in monitoring the safety and efficacy of these products. They must keep accurate records of all medications dispensed and be able to identify and report adverse drug reactions and interactions.
A veterinary pharmacist may also be involved in the development of new drugs or the adaptation of human medications for use in animals. They must stay up-to-date on the latest research in veterinary pharmacology and be able to communicate this information to other members of the animal health care team.
How to become a veterinary pharmacist
Licensed pharmacists who are interested in specializing in companion animals often turn to additional veterinary pharmacy training to equip them to better serve these patients. Veterinary training can also benefit pharmacists looking to grow their pharmacies by helping them expand their services and thus customer base, thereby increasing revenue.
There are a number of programs that offer specialized training in veterinary pharmacy, including certificate programs, residency programs, and advanced degree programs. These programs typically cover topics such as animal anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, drug compounding, and disease management.
One option is to pursue a certificate program. Certificate programs are typically shorter in duration than degree programs and are designed to provide focused training in a specific area. Certificate programs in veterinary pharmacy may be offered online or in-person and can often be completed in a year or less.
Advanced degree programs in veterinary pharmacy, such as a Master of Science or a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, are also available. These programs offer more extensive training in veterinary pharmacy and may provide opportunities for research and specialization.
For those with a PharmD degree, another option for additional training in veterinary pharmacy is to complete a residency program. Residency programs in veterinary pharmacy typically last one to two years and provide hands-on training in a variety of areas, including animal care and medication management.
By pursuing additional training and seeking certification, pharmacists can become valuable members of the veterinary healthcare team.
Why veterinary pharmacy is important
Veterinary pharmacy is of utmost importance as it plays a critical role in ensuring the health and well-being of animals. Animals, much like humans, require medications to treat a wide range of health conditions, ranging from minor infections to chronic diseases. The medications used in animal healthcare must be safe, effective, and tailored to the specific needs of the animal being treated.
Having access to veterinary pharmacy is also convenient for human pet owners as it ensures that their pets receive the best possible care. A veterinary pharmacist has specialized training in the preparation, dispensing, and monitoring of medications used in animal healthcare, and they work closely with veterinarians and other members of the animal health care team to ensure that animals receive appropriate and effective treatment. This can help to improve the health and well-being of pets, providing peace of mind for their owners.
Making Medicine Work With Animal Patients
Many medications used in animal healthcare are not the same as those used in human medicine. Animals have unique physiology, metabolism, and behavior, which can affect the way medications are absorbed, distributed, and eliminated from their bodies. A veterinary pharmacist must have a thorough understanding of these factors to ensure that the medications used in animal healthcare are safe and effective, reducing the risk of adverse reactions and side effects.
Additionally, veterinary pharmacy is essential because it can help prevent the spread of diseases from animals to humans. Many infectious diseases that affect animals can also be transmitted to humans, and the medications used in animal healthcare can help prevent or control these diseases. By ensuring that animals receive appropriate treatment, veterinary pharmacy can play an important role in protecting public health.
Community Pharmacies as Alternatives to Chewy and Petmed
Community pharmacists are considered the most accessible health care practitioners. Their location within communities puts them in a unique position to meet an assortment of needs.
With veterinary pharmacy, this convenience and access for patients can extend to their pets. While some pet owners turn to companies like Chewy and Petmed to fill vet prescriptions, community pharmacies are a great alternative, particularly for people who already routinely visit their community pharmacy.
Here are some of the benefits of choosing a local community pharmacy for purchasing pet medications and supplies:
Personalization
Local pharmacists can provide personalized service to help people choose the right medications and supplies for their pets. They can also answer any questions about dosage, side effects, and unexpected interactions.
Convenience
Unlike online retailers, local pharmacies are likely located nearby, making it easy to pick up a petâs medications and supplies without waiting for delivery.
Affordable
Community pharmacies may offer competitive pricing on pet medications and supplies, as they can negotiate with suppliers to get the best prices.
Availability
If a pet requires a prescription medication, a community pharmacy can fill it on-site, saving pet owners the time and hassle of having to mail in a prescription to an online retailer.
Trust
Community pharmacies are a trusted source for medications and supplies, as they are licensed and regulated by the state board of pharmacy. This can give pet owners peace of mind when it comes to the safety and efficacy of the products they purchase for their pets.
Compounding Veterinary Pharmacy: Customizing Medications for Pets
Veterinary pharmacists who have received specialized training may also be involved in compounding veterinary medications. Compounding refers to the practice of creating customized medications for individual animals. These medications are made by combining or altering existing pharmaceutical ingredients to fit the specific needs of a pet.
Compounding veterinary pharmacy is an important field because not all animals are the same. Just like humans, each animal is unique and may require a personalized approach to medication. For example, a cat may have difficulty swallowing a tablet, and a dog may require a smaller dose of a medication due to its size. In these situations, compounding veterinary pharmacy can be a valuable solution.
Compounding veterinary pharmacists work closely with veterinarians to develop customized medications that are tailored to each animalâs needs. They take into account factors such as the animalâs weight, species, and medical history. They also consider the specific condition being treated and any allergies the animal may have.
Compounding veterinary pharmacy can involve a variety of different medications, including tablets, capsules, creams, ointments, and even flavored liquids. Compounded medications can also be used to treat a range of conditions, from arthritis and pain management to skin conditions and behavioral issues.
In addition to providing customized medications for individual animals, compounding veterinary pharmacy can also be useful for animals that require medications that are no longer commercially available. In these cases, compounding veterinary pharmacists can create a customized medication that contains the same active ingredient as the original medication.
Overall, compounding veterinary pharmacy is an important and valuable field that helps ensure that each animal receives the medication it needs to stay healthy and happy. By working closely with veterinarians and pet owners, compounding veterinary pharmacists play a critical role in providing personalized care for animals.
freeCE is Helping Pharmacists Fill Prescriptions and Provide Better Outcomes for Pets
Pharmacists are the only human-focused medical professionals also responsible for non-human species. With additional training specific to animal species to prevent errors and avoid toxicities, pharmacists can apply their existing understanding of disease pathophysiology and pharmacology to competently provide non-human care.
freeCE is proud to offer a specialty certificate to help pharmacists bridge the gap between veterinary medicine and the pharmacy.
Introducing: The Essentials of Veterinary Pharmacy Certificate
The Essentials of Veterinary Pharmacy will provide the community pharmacist and pharmacy technician with the fundamentals needed to accurately and safely fill prescriptions for companion animals (dogs, cats, horses) that they may encounter in daily practice.
Learners who complete this certificate program will be better able to:
- Recognize the team members involved in veterinary practice and common misunderstandings that may occur when veterinarians prescribe medications that will be filled at a community pharmacy.
- Identify federal laws and regulations that govern the use of medications in animals.
- Understand basic physical characteristics of companion dogs, cats, and horses and how their unique pharmacokinetic traits may impact medication use and misuse.
- Prevent toxicologic emergencies by better anticipating risks for accidental ingestion of substances dangerous to pets and helping to inform your clients (pet parents) of best safety practices.
- Avoid communication-related errors and those related to abbreviations that may lead to over or underdosage of prescribed active ingredients or toxicity from commonly used excipients.
- Employ appropriate drug information resources to provide confident counseling tips to veterinary clients and other members of the veterinary team.
Additional certificates will be available that will offer advanced clinical information related to therapeutics and medication selection for companion animals, as well as more detailed guidance for compounding for the veterinary patient.
Sign up to receive exclusive Early Bird Discounts & Updates on this Veterinary Pharmacy Program! ð
FAQs
What is a Veterinary Compounding Pharmacy?
A veterinary compounding pharmacy is a specialized type of pharmacy that is licensed and equipped to prepare customized medications for animals. Compounding pharmacies are different from traditional pharmacies in that they can create customized medications by combining or altering existing medications to meet the specific needs of a particular animal.
Veterinary compounding pharmacies play a crucial role in animal healthcare by providing customized medications that are not commercially available, such as flavored medications that are easier for pets to swallow, medications in different dosage forms, and medications that are free of certain allergens or additives. They can also create medications in strengths or concentrations that are not available commercially, which can be particularly useful for animals that require very small or very large doses of medication.
Veterinary compounding pharmacies must comply with strict regulations and guidelines established by the FDA and state pharmacy boards to ensure that the medications they prepare are safe, effective, and of high quality. They must also work closely with veterinarians to ensure that the medications they prepare are appropriate for the specific animal and condition being treated.
Veterinary compounding can also take place outside of the compounding pharmacy setting in community pharmacies where USP-compliant, non-sterile compounding areas have been developed.
Why Would a Veterinarian Need to Have a Drug Compounded for a Patient?
There are several reasons why a veterinarian might need to have a drug compounded for a patient. Some of the most common reasons include:
Dosage: Commercially available medications may not come in the exact dosage required for a specific patient, especially in the case of smaller or larger animals that may require very small or very large doses. A compounding pharmacy can prepare the medication in the exact dosage required by the veterinarian for that particular patient.
Form: Some medications may not be available in the appropriate form for the patient, such as a flavored liquid for a pet that has difficulty swallowing pills or a topical cream for a skin condition. A compounding pharmacy can create the medication in a form that is easier for the patient to take or apply.
Allergies: Some animals may be allergic to certain ingredients in commercially available medications. A compounding pharmacy can create the medication without the allergen to ensure that the animal can safely take the medication.
Availability: In some cases, a medication may be temporarily or permanently unavailable from the manufacturer. A compounding pharmacy can create the medication using the active ingredients to ensure that the patient can continue to receive the necessary treatment.
Can Veterinarians Compound Drugs?
Veterinarians are legally allowed to compound drugs for their patients in some cases, depending on the state in which they practice and the specific circumstances of the compounding. However, the extent to which a veterinarian is able to compound drugs may be limited by their stateâs regulations and guidelines, as well as their own training and experience.
In general, veterinarians are allowed to compound drugs for their patients if:
- There is no commercially available medication that meets the specific needs of the patient.
- The compounded medication is being prepared for a specific patient and not for general distribution.
- The veterinarian has the necessary equipment, training, and experience to safely and effectively compound the medication.
However, many veterinarians choose to work with compounding pharmacies rather than compound drugs themselves, as compounding pharmacies have specialized equipment, facilities, and expertise to ensure that the medications they prepare are of high quality and meet all regulatory requirements.
Additionally, working with a compounding pharmacy can save veterinarians time and resources, allowing vets to focus on providing quality care to their patients, while also allowing the compounding veterinary pharmacy to expand its services and revenue streams.
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