Can a pharmacist compound a commercially available drug product according to Arkansas law?

Under Arkansas law, a pharmacist is generally not permitted to compound a commercially available drug product. The foundational principle guiding this regulation is to ensure safety and maintain the integrity of medications that are already manufactured and available in the market. Compounding is typically reserved for situations where a patient requires a specific formulation that is not commercially available or when there’s a medical necessity that cannot be met through standard, commercially prepared medications.

While there may be exceptions in specific circumstances, like compounding drugs for patients who have unique needs or when there is a shortage of a necessary medication, the indiscriminate compounding of commercially available products is not approved under Arkansas law. This regulatory framework is designed to avoid unnecessary risks associated with compounding and to promote adherence to quality standards established for commercial pharmaceuticals.