The National Library of Medicine has announced that compounded medications offer therapeutic alternatives for patients with unique medical needs that cannot be met by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs.
According to Reuters, Eli Lilly has initiated legal action against several compounding pharmacies, including Empower Pharmacy. The company alleges the unauthorized sale of compounded versions of its weight loss and diabetes medications, Mounjaro and Zepbound. The lawsuits claim these compounded drugs are unapproved and potentially unsafe, as they bypass the FDA's rigorous quality testing. Empower Pharmacy contends that it legally provides customized medications to meet patient needs, especially during drug shortages, and argues that such services are essential for patients who cannot access or afford FDA-approved drugs.
The National Academy of Sciences report emphasizes that compounded medications are crucial for patients with specific medical requirements that FDA-approved drugs cannot fulfill. These include individuals with allergies to certain drug components, those needing unique dosage forms, or patients requiring medications that are unavailable commercially. The report highlights that while compounded drugs are not FDA-approved, they play a vital role in personalized medicine by offering tailored solutions that address unique patient needs.
Compounded medications provide flexibility in dosage and formulation, allowing healthcare providers to customize treatments for patients. This is particularly beneficial for populations such as children or the elderly who may have difficulty swallowing pills or for patients requiring specific drug combinations not available in standard formulations. According to Monty's Home Medical, compounding pharmacies can adjust dosages, remove allergens, and create alternative delivery methods, enhancing patient compliance and treatment efficacy.
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