To Compound or Not to Compound

In-office compounding, once part and parcel of dermatologic practice, has become increasingly controversial—and confusing. As a result of legitimate public health concerns, FDA scrutiny began with compounding facilities. Unfortunately, regulatory focus has shifted to compounding by individual physicians in their offices, especially to dermatology practices. Without doubt, compounding remains necessary in certain instances, and we, as dermatologists, are actively seeking to protect our right to compound needed drug formulations in our offices. Some treatments simply are not there for us on the market in their final applicable forms, either because the required active or combination of actives are not available or because a certain vehicle base is not provided. Additionally, some of the drugs we use for in-office procedures are only available via compounding.