IPS Does Not Compound for Food Producing Animals or Copies of Commercially Available Drugs

The art and science of compounding prescription drugs is based on the need for drugs that are not commercially available.  In instances where a practitioner needs to prescribe a dose or form of a drug that is not available “off the shelf”, the doctor may rely on a specially compounded drug.  

That need is the basis of our practice at Island Pharmacy Services.  Since 1990, we have specialized in the compounding of over 500 different drugs in hundreds of dosage sizes and forms.  IPS has become known as the nation’s leader for many compounded medications.  Especially in the case of veterinary patients, the dosages that IPS is asked to prepare are often tiny fractions of the commonly available, human-use drugs.   Not only does IPS provide the exact dose required, but we are also experts in special dosage forms, that is, capsules, flavored liquids, and transdermal gels that provide easier administration.  

The FDA is charged with insuring that harmful drugs do not find their way into the food supply.  For that reason, IPS does not prepare compounded drugs for food animals.  Our veterinary practice concentrates on pets such as dogs, cats, and ferrets, as well as birds, reptiles and other small animals.  IPS also prepares a variety of prescriptions for pleasure horses.  And we have been asked to compound a wide variety of drugs for exotic animals and zoo animals.  Because of FDA limitations, IPS does not compound drugs for food animals and declines orders for cattle, pigs, poultry, etc.  

The FDA has also recently stepped up enforcement against “pharmacies” that are, in fact, small-scale manufacturers.   These operations often produce copies of commercially available drugs, which is a clear violation of FDA regulations.  While it is usually not the case, there are some instances where pharmacies can actually prepare drug copies for less than the prices charged for the manufactured drug, especially brand-name drugs.  Drug manufacturers have hundreds of millions of dollars invested in a new drug before it even reaches the market.  Island Pharmacy Services does not compound any drug doses that are copies of commercially available drugs.  

In addition, ALL the drugs compounded by IPS are the result of a prescription from a practitioner.  IPS is not a small-scale manufacturer that produces massive quantities of drugs, and then seeks wholesale and retail outlets for these products.  The prescriptions we prepare are unique formulations delivered to an individual patient.  Unfortunately, the nature of custom compounded, individual prescriptions means that these drugs are more costly (in most cases) than any manufactured doses.  

At IPS, we welcome your questions about access to compounded prescription drugs.  That is our specialty, and no other pharmacy has the depth of experience in prescription compounding.  Call the Compounding Specialists at IPS at 800-328-7060.