Giving medication to a pet is not always straightforward. Dogs, cats and other animals come in different sizes, have different administration needs and may not be able to use a commercially available medication exactly as it is supplied.
In certain circumstances, a veterinarian may determine that veterinary compounding is appropriate for an individual animal. Compounding allows a pharmacy to prepare a patient-specific medication from a veterinarian-issued prescription when a commercially available option does not meet that animal’s needs.
That does not mean a compounded medication is automatically preferable to an FDA-approved animal drug. The decision depends on the individual veterinary patient and belongs with the veterinarian.
Understanding how veterinary compounding works can help pet owners have more informed conversations about medications for their furry family members.
What Is Veterinary Compounding?
Veterinary compounding is the preparation of a customized medication based on a veterinarian’s prescription and the needs of an individual animal.
Compounding can involve combining, mixing or altering ingredients to prepare a prescribed medication. Depending on the animal’s needs and the prescription, that customization could involve factors such as the strength, dosage form or ingredients.
A veterinary compounding pharmacy does not diagnose an animal or decide which medication the animal should receive. The veterinarian evaluates the patient and determines the appropriate therapy. When compounding is prescribed, the pharmacist prepares the medication according to that prescription.
This veterinarian-pharmacist relationship is an important part of patient-specific veterinary compounding.
Why Might a Pet Need a Compounded Medication?
Commercially available veterinary medications meet the needs of many animals. Sometimes, however, a veterinarian may determine that an available medication does not fit an individual animal’s needs.
For example, the available strength may not be appropriate for that particular veterinary patient. An animal may also have difficulty taking the commercially available dosage form.
In other circumstances, a veterinarian may determine that an alternative formulation or an ingredient adjustment is clinically appropriate.
These are individual prescribing decisions. A pet owner should not assume that difficulty administering a medication automatically means it should be compounded.
If you’re having trouble giving your pet a prescribed medication, tell your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can evaluate the situation and determine whether another commercially available option or a compounded prescription should be considered.
Compounded Medications for Dogs and Cats
Dogs and cats provide a good example of why medication needs can vary among veterinary patients.
Consider the differences in size alone. The medication needs of a small cat may differ significantly from those of a large dog. Species, individual characteristics and the ability to take a particular dosage form can also affect how veterinarians approach medication use.
This is where compounded medications for pets may enter the conversation.
A veterinarian might consider an individualized prescription when a commercially available option does not meet the needs of a particular dog or cat. The veterinarian determines what is medically appropriate, then communicates the prescription to the compounding pharmacy.
The same principle applies whether someone is researching compounded medication for dogs, compounded medication for cats or medication options for another type of animal. The animal’s individual needs and veterinarian’s clinical judgment guide the decision.
Different Dosage Forms for Veterinary Patients
Medication administration can be challenging when an animal cannot readily use the dosage form in which a commercial medication is available.
Patient-specific compounding can provide flexibility when a veterinarian determines an alternative dosage form is clinically appropriate.
The specific form should never be selected simply because it seems more convenient. Different ingredients and dosage forms may not be appropriate for every medication, species or animal.
Instead, the veterinarian and pharmacist can collaborate on the prescription while considering the individual veterinary patient’s needs and the characteristics of the medication being prescribed.
Pet owners should follow the veterinarian’s and pharmacist’s administration instructions carefully. Never change how you administer a medication, including crushing, opening, mixing or otherwise altering it, without professional guidance.
Are Compounded Pet Medications FDA-Approved?
No. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
This is an important distinction between compounded animal drugs and FDA-approved animal medications.
FDA-approved animal drugs undergo the FDA’s approval process. Compounded medications do not go through that same premarket review for safety, effectiveness and quality.
That distinction does not mean veterinarian-directed compounding has no role in veterinary care. It means pet owners should understand what type of medication their animal is receiving and why their veterinarian prescribed it.
Compounded veterinary medications should also not be described as generic equivalents of FDA-approved animal drugs or assumed to be safer or more effective.
If you’re uncertain whether your pet’s prescription is compounded, ask your veterinarian or pharmacist.
How Veterinarians and Compounding Pharmacists Work Together
Veterinary compounding depends on collaboration.
The veterinarian knows the animal’s medical history, evaluates its health and determines the appropriate treatment. When a patient-specific compounded prescription is clinically appropriate, the veterinarian provides the prescription to the pharmacy.
The compounding pharmacist then works within that prescription to prepare the medication for the individually identified veterinary patient.
Pharmacy Solutions is a licensed 503A compounding pharmacy based in Arlington, Texas. Our pharmacists work with prescribers, including veterinarians, on patient-specific prescriptions when compounding is clinically appropriate.
Pharmacy Solutions is also accredited by the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board and is NABP-Recognized. We meet USP <797> and USP <800> standards and ship medications directly to patients in states where we are licensed.
For pet owners, this collaborative approach keeps an important principle at the center of veterinary care. Medication decisions start with your veterinarian.
Questions Pet Owners Can Ask Their Veterinarian
If your veterinarian recommends a compounded prescription, asking a few practical questions can help you understand your pet’s medication.
Ask why a compounded medication is being considered and how it differs from commercially available options. You can also ask exactly how the medication should be administered and what to do if your pet has difficulty taking it.
Storage instructions are important as well. Ask where and how the medication should be stored and whether there are special handling requirements.
Finally, make sure you understand what your veterinarian wants you to monitor and when you should follow up.
These questions can help you become an informed partner in your furry family member’s care without making medication decisions on your own.
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