Animal Health Solutions

12 Covetrus | ph: 855.724.3461 | fx: 888.329.3861 | northamerica.covetrus.com A qualified compounding team In general, a compounding team is made up of pharmacists, a pharmacist manager, and pharmacy technicians. The pharmacist manager, often titled the pharmacist in charge, is analogous to the medical director at a veterinary practice. Staff pharmacists are individually liable for regulatory compliance and therapeutic outcomes, and the pharmacist in charge is additionally responsible for the entire pharmacy's compounding practice. Staff compounding pharmacists can have two different credentials: PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) or RPh (Registered Pharmacist). Both are state licensed and have equal authority in compounding science. There are valuable credentials pharmacists can earn as evidence of their expertise and experience in the field of veterinary medicine. These options include postgraduate residencies in veterinary pharmacy, specialized internships at veterinary teaching hospitals, CE programs, and/or clinical work experience. Veterinarians should be aware of the growing efforts pharmacists are making to better support animal drug therapy. Working with a veterinary compounding pharmacy, where pharmacists have veterinary-specific training and experience, carries significant advantages for veterinary professionals. These pharmacists are familiar with the unique challenges veterinarians face in prescribing medications for multiple species (e.g., exotics that require tiny doses or special flavorings) and ingredients that may be toxic to certain species. The veterinarian's ability to discuss the needs of specific patients with knowledgeable pharmacists can improve patient care and client compliance. Compounding training All licensed pharmacists are legally qualified to conduct and supervise compounding and may receive additional training in specific areas (e.g., veterinary compounding). Sterile compounding requires additional training in contamination avoidance, including aseptic technique, garbing and gloving technique, hand hygiene, and cleaning and disinfecting procedures. A clean workspace Although most veterinarians may never see the inside of a compounding pharmacy, it can be helpful to get a feel for the general guidelines a pharmacy must follow to ensure the production of safe and effective drug products. Typical compounding pharmacies will have a retail space, workspace, and a dedicated laboratory area with equipment appropriate for safe and accurate preparation of drug products. If only nonsterile (general) compounding is performed, there should be a general laboratory area that meets USP <795> requirements. Sterile compounding demands strict preparation criteria in USP <797> standards. The preparation of high-risk drug products (e.g., ophthalmic or IV medicines) requires precise environmental and technical control to omit any risk for contamination. Environmental control and monitoring To ensure a safe compounding environment, standards have been set for environmental sampling and cleaning of nearly all equipment and surfaces. For example, parameters including air quality (temperature, pressure, particle load) and cleaning of equipment must be regularly monitored and maintained. Equipment monitoring All equipment must be routinely recalibrated or assessed, with documentation to support accuracy and consistency. Each machine must have standard operating procedures in place for proper use, cleaning, maintenance, and calibration according to the manufacturer or USP standards.

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