Veterinarians worried about proposed FDA compounding guidance

A proposed FDA guidance could significantly impact veterinary practices and their ability to compound medicines for animal patients, according to a national survey.

According to the FDA, the draft guidance would advise veterinarians on circumstances under which the FDA does not plan to take action for certain violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Costmetic Act when pharmacists and veterinarians compound animal drugs from bulk drug substances.

The survey has reported the responses of 1849 veterinary professionals in the United States, 78% of whom practice in a small business with 4 or fewer veterinarians.

Over 90% said that maintaining access to compounded medications when they are necessary in their medical judgment is important.

Respondents were asked a variety of questions about their use of compounded medications. More than half said they "frequently" order compounded medications for office stock, compared with 17.4% who answered "always.”