Question

What is the purpose of compounding medications?

I. Some patients can not take commercially available products.
II. Some patients can not pay the prices for commercially available products.
III. Some patients have allergies to excipients found in commercially available products.
a. I only
b. I and II only
c. I and III only
d. All of the above

Answer 1

Correct answer: c. I and III only.

Explanation:
- Compounding is performed when commercially available products are not appropriate for an individual patient (e.g., different dose, dosage form, discontinued product, or shortage) — statement I.
- Compounding also addresses patient allergies or sensitivities to excipients (dyes, preservatives, lactose, gluten, benzyl alcohol, etc.) by producing a formulation without the offending ingredient — statement III.
- While a compounded product may sometimes be less expensive, lowering cost is not a valid primary purpose for compounding and compounding solely to avoid the price of an available FDA‑approved product can be inappropriate or noncompliant with regulations — so statement II is not considered a reason for compounding.