CRITICAL READ for CONSUMERS and HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS!! Compounded pain creams and adverse effects

Some compounding pharmacies are preparing compounded pain creams and ointments that contain a combination of multiple potent medications. Many include drugs that can cause central nervous system depression or cardiac effects such as ketamine, baclofen, cyclobenzaprine, lidocaine, tricyclic antidepressants, gabapentin, clonidine, and nifedipine. Most of these drugs have not been US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for topical use (although off-label use of medications is routine). Some compounding pharmacies are filling prescriptions for these pain creams for specific patients. Their use is growing, prompting some pharmacies to employ a sales force, initiate elaborate marketing campaigns, and provide template prescriptions to make prescribing of these creams easier. Prospective patients are even receiving unsolicited calls at home, with a promise that the cream can be prescribed after an arranged telephone consultation with a physician. 
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/healthcare/Compounded-pain-creams-and-adverse-effects.html#LZMBIkop3JY8zOjL.99