COMPOUNDING FOR ANIMALS
ISSUE BRIEFlNG
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Since its inception in 1930, FDA has allowed pharmacists to compound medications from bulk
active pharmaceutical in gredients (APIs) for non food an imal s, including companion, exotic, and
perfonnance animals.
However, in July 2003, FDA abruptly reversed this policy without any indication of the
reasoning or justification behind the substantial policy reversal. FDA's new prohibition on
compounding for non food animals will adversely affect the health and well-being of many pets
and will have broad repercussions on many small businesses.
IACP has repeatedly attempted to negotiate with FDA on these polici es. However, the Agency
remains unmoved. FDA sent infonnation to State Boards of Pharmacy in April 2004 announcing
the initiation of an inspection campaign against pharmacies that compound for animals.
Developments of this nature make this issue increasingly urgent for pharmacists and
veterinar ians who provide care for an imal patients.
NECESSITY OF VETERINARY COMPOUNDING
IACP strongly supports the rights of pharmacists to compound for non food animals from bulk
ingredients. Such compounding is part of the fundamental, historical practice ofphannacy and
necessary to preserve the health and well-being of many companion, exotic, and performance
animals. Ifphannacists are limited to using FDA-approved, commercially available drugs, many
animals will die, go untreated, or su ffer needlessly.
ISSUE BRIEFlNG
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Since its inception in 1930, FDA has allowed pharmacists to compound medications from bulk
active pharmaceutical in gredients (APIs) for non food an imal s, including companion, exotic, and
perfonnance animals.
However, in July 2003, FDA abruptly reversed this policy without any indication of the
reasoning or justification behind the substantial policy reversal. FDA's new prohibition on
compounding for non food animals will adversely affect the health and well-being of many pets
and will have broad repercussions on many small businesses.
IACP has repeatedly attempted to negotiate with FDA on these polici es. However, the Agency
remains unmoved. FDA sent infonnation to State Boards of Pharmacy in April 2004 announcing
the initiation of an inspection campaign against pharmacies that compound for animals.
Developments of this nature make this issue increasingly urgent for pharmacists and
veterinar ians who provide care for an imal patients.
NECESSITY OF VETERINARY COMPOUNDING
IACP strongly supports the rights of pharmacists to compound for non food animals from bulk
ingredients. Such compounding is part of the fundamental, historical practice ofphannacy and
necessary to preserve the health and well-being of many companion, exotic, and performance
animals. Ifphannacists are limited to using FDA-approved, commercially available drugs, many
animals will die, go untreated, or su ffer needlessly.