Drug shortages are an all too serious reality that many of us have encountered, shortages that can make a severe impact on patients who rely on medications to control their health conditions. In some cases, a lack of these medications can cause irreparable harm. As the steady spike in shortages continues to affect our healthcare system, compounding is stepping in to bridge the gap between patients and the prescriptions they need.
Scope of Shortages is Widening
The situation of drug shortages is becoming even more dire. In fact, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) reported a record 323 active drug shortages in the first quarter of 2024, which surpassed the previous record of 320 shortages 10 years prior. This leaves many asking: What is the cause for such a serious disruption that is putting the vulnerable at even more risk, as they are potentially unable to get the care they need? The reason is rather complex and can be attributed to several different factors.
The American Medical Association (AMA) attributes the issue to a continually evolving prescribing landscape, production quotas, and the difficulties related to supply and demand, as it can be challenging for prescription manufacturers to keep up as consumer wants and needs increase. The AMA also notes that a reduction in domestic manufacturing and reliance on overseas support (especially in generic manufacturing) is adding to the strain. Decades-long policy choices and severe weather also play a role.
GLP-1s as a Prime Example
News cycles have been dominated in many ways by the significant shortages in GLP-1 drugs due to a massive amount of demand. Much of this is because of the desire to lose weight, in addition to helping those with obesity and diabetes (who rely on GLP-1s to help manage blood sugar levels). With this, suppliers simply cannot keep up, leaving the thousands of individuals who rely on GLP-1s with no access and at the mercy of an uncertain future. This issue has moved compounding to the forefront, as now healthcare providers have the option to write prescriptions for the same active ingredients of these GLP-1s, which compounding pharmacies can then prepare and fill.
How Compounding Fills the Gap
Known for its flexibility and support of patients who have issues with commercialized prescriptions (such as intolerable side effects), the compounding pharmacy industry has rallied together to assist with drug shortages. As shared by the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding (APC), a compounding pharmacy essentially prepares a “copy” of an FDA approved drug when that drug is declared as “currently in shortage” on the FDA drug shortage webpage. The APC further states that for years, compounding pharmacies have helped ensure the continuation of care for many patients, creating copies of FDA-approved drugs that can be lifesaving.
The compounding approach is unique in a number of ways. Customization is one of the most powerful parts of compounding as it enables patients to tap into prescriptions specifically tailored to their needs. The often detrimental one-size-fits-all mentality simply does not exist, and with customization comes more peace of mind and comfort in better alignment with care providers.
The compounding approach to dosage is also unique and falls within the emphasis on customization. Some patients are allergic to certain components within a medication (such as dyes and gluten), which compounding can address. Compounding also offers different dosing forms that are best suited for each individual patient. For example, a child might not be willing to swallow a pill, so a compounding pharmacy may be able to create the same medication in a liquid form – even as a lollipop or even an ice pop – that they are more comfortable with. Special diets, such as sugar-free options, can also be taken into consideration.
It's important to note that ingredients in compounded medications are sourced from only FDA-registered suppliers. They are also compliant with important USP standards and undergo regular testing.
Learn more about compounded GLP-1s and the drug shortage: https://revelationpharma.com/blog/post/compounded-glp-1s-what-you-need-to-know
Disclaimer
The FDA does not review any compounded medication for safety or efficacy. The information contained in this article is not meant to diagnose or treat a specific healthcare condition but should be used as educational-only material.
Shawn Hodges PharmD., FAPC
CEO of Revelation Pharma
