AARP: What Are Compounded Medications? 8 Things Older Adults Should Know

AARP recently interviewed Steven Simons, MD, medical director of Medical Affairs at Cedars-Sinai and chair of Medication Safety, about the potential risks and benefits of compounded medications for adults 50 and over.

Compounded medications are custom-made drugs prepared by specialized pharmacies for patients whose needs cannot be met by standard medicines. Patients who use compounding pharmacies include people who are allergic to a standard drug ingredient, have difficulty swallowing pills or need an alternative during a drug shortage. Although compounded medications have existed for decades, recent shortages of popular drugs have led to renewed interest.

Simons told AARP that because compounded medications are custom mixed for individual patients, they are not reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for safety and effectiveness in the same way as conventional drugs.

“It’s the Wild West,” he said. “It’s buyer beware. And you really need to do your homework” before buying a compounded drug.

Simons told AARP that customized drugs can meet important needs but also may carry risks. Added ingredients, such as vitamins, may not have been tested in large clinical trials and could increase the risk of allergies, side effects or drug interactions, especially for older adults who take multiple medications.

“Many of the additives, people don’t need in the first place,” he said, noting that people generally need vitamin B12 only if they have a deficiency.

To help ensure quality and safety, experts recommend asking a doctor or pharmacy for a referral to a compounding pharmacy and choosing one that follows U.S. Pharmacopeia standards.

Read the complete article from AARP.