New compounding resources released

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The Pharmacy Council of New South Wales is pleased to announce the launch of its Compounding checklist and Premises and equipment guidance for non-sterile complex compounding.

The Council has released the new compounding resources to support pharmacists in understanding their professional obligations with respect to compounding.

President of the Pharmacy Council Dr Joyce Cooper said the new resources will assist pharmacists in compounding safely.

"There are many risks associated with compounding that need to be managed appropriately,” Dr Cooper said. “This ensures risks of harm to patients, the public and pharmacy staff are minimised.”

The resources, which feature practical guidance on improving compounding practices, have been developed in response to an increasing number of complaints related to compounded preparations and involved a lengthy and comprehensive consultation process.

Chair of the Pharmacy Council’s Compounding Working Group Paul Sinclair said proprietors considering offering compounding services may use the compounding resources as a starting point in their decision-making process.

“There is a significant investment outlay required to deliver a compounding service,” Mr Sinclair said. “Proprietors may find the resources informative in understanding all aspects involved.”

The Compounding checklist is a self-audit tool for use by pharmacists to ensure their compounding practices are undertaken appropriately in New South Wales pharmacies. It brings together legislation, codes and guidelines and other useful resources into a comprehensive checklist.

The Premises and equipment guidance for non-sterile complex compounding provides guidance which will help ensure there is sufficient space to comfortably and safely work, minimise the risk of cross contamination of compounded preparations prepared, and minimise the risk of unnecessary exposure to hazardous preparations.

You can access both resources here.

Please also refer to the Pharmacy Board of Australia’s Guidelines on compounded medicines, which is available on the Board’s website

Compounded medicines are prepared for an individual patient only when an appropriate commercial product is unavailable or unsuitable. A close formulation of an available suitable commercial product, that produces the same therapeutic outcome of the commercial product, should not be compounded.