National Survey Shows Strong Public Support for Pharmacy Compounding
Awareness Gaps Suggest Need for More Education
WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new national poll conducted for the Pharmacy Compounding Foundation by Embold Research shows strong public support for pharmacy compounding's critical role in filling gaps in the U.S. drug supply and meeting individual patient needs. Results also reveal a lack of awareness about the industry's strict regulatory and quality standards.
The survey of 1,222 adults nationwide assessed public sentiment on compounding pharmacies and their role in the healthcare system. Key findings include:
- Among respondents who have used compounding pharmacies, over three-quarters (79%) report having a positive experience. However, only 42% of adults are familiar with pharmacy compounding.
- 87% of respondents correctly recognized that a licensed prescriber must prescribe compounded medications.
- Nearly a third (31%) of respondents lack awareness of the industry's strict regulatory standards.
- 84% of respondents believe it is important that compounding pharmacies have the ability to prepare copies of an FDA-approved drug when that drug is in shortage.
"Even though pharmacists have been preparing custom formulations for individuals and ensuring patient access during drug shortages long before the advent of GLP-1s, the public's lack of knowledge of such a foundational pharmacy practice is eye-opening," said Scott Brunner, CEO of the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding.
Compounding pharmacists prepare customized medications prescribed by healthcare professionals to meet the individual needs of children, adults, and animals. Those can include tailored dosage strengths or forms not available in a manufactured drug. As authorized by federal law, compounders may also create a copy of a commercially available FDA-approved product when that drug is on the FDA's drug shortages list. In the past 24 months, that list has included lidocaine, pediatric amoxicillin suspension, GLP-1 drugs, and many others.
"This research shows we have a real opportunity to work with healthcare professionals to educate patients about pharmacy compounding to ensure continued confidence in compounded therapies," said Jennifer Burch, PharmD, RPh, CDCES, FNCAP, FAPC, president of the Pharmacy Compounding Foundation.
About the Pharmacy Compounding Foundation
The nonprofit 501(c)(3) Pharmacy Compounding Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding, the industry's trade association. The Foundation supports the quality, integrity, and advancement of pharmacy compounding and its practitioners to benefit all patients by supporting research, education, and awareness programs.
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SOURCE Pharmacy Compounding Foundation