8 2 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7
You can take
proactive steps to
reduce the risk of
receiving tainted
drugs from your
compounding
pharmacy. Start by
getting to know
the compounder
and researching
the firm's reputation within the industry, says Roy Sturgeon, PhD,
a senior advisor at Lachman Consultant Services, a pharmaceuti-
cal consulting firm based in Westbury, N.Y. He also suggests you
seek answers to the following questions before accepting any
compounded medication.
1. What systems controls are in place to ensure you follow indus-
try standards?
2. Are you compliant with USP Chapter 797?
3. How do you sterilize the final product?
4. Are you routinely inspected by the state board of pharmacy?
5. Has the FDA recently inspected your facility?
6. Does an outside pharmacy consultant regularly inspect your
process?
7. What kind of sterility testing do you perform on compounds?
8. Do you conduct periodic challenges to your compounding
processes and practices?
PROACTIVE APPROACH
10 Questions to Ask Your Compounder
