A guide to help you make informed decisions about your treatment options.
1. What Are Compounded Medications?
Compounded medications are custom-made by a pharmacist when a Health Canada–approved medication is not available, not suitable, or cannot be used for a specific patient.
Compounding may be helpful when:
• A medication needs to be made into a different form
• A patient has an allergy to an ingredient
• A specific strength or dose is not commercially available
• There is a temporary drug shortage
Compounding fills gaps in care but is not the same as receiving a Health Canada–approved medication.
2. How Compounded Medications Are Regulated in Canada
• Not reviewed or approved by Health Canada
• Quality depends on the individual pharmacy
• Follow provincial and National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities, compounding standards
3. Safety and Quality Considerations
• These medications have not been reviewed by Health Canada for quality, safety, and effectiveness
• Compounded products may not have consistent dosing or potency, or undergo stability testing (testing that confirms that the medication remains stable)
• These products often do not have standard product labeling or prescribing information
• There is also the potential for errors in preparation
• There is variability between pharmacies
4. Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Compounded Medication
• Why am I being offered a compounded version?
• Is there an approved alternative?
• How is quality checked?
• How long is it stable?
• What outcomes can I expect?
5. Compounded GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP Medications
• Health Canada does not approve compounded GLP-1 products
• No clinical trials or bioequivalence testing
• Not interchangeable with approved medications
• Discuss any compounded GLP-1 option with your prescriber
Key Takeaways
• Compounded meds are useful when approved products are not appropriate
• They are not reviewed by Health Canada
• Not substitutes for approved products when commercial options exist
• Discuss risks, benefits, and alternatives with your healthcare team
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References:
Health Canada: Policy on Manufacturing and Compounding Drug Products
Health Canada: Drug Compounding FAQs
National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities Model Standards for Non-Sterile and Sterile Compounding
Provincial Pharmacy Colleges: Compounding Standards
ISMP Canada: Compounding Safety Alerts
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This article was sponsored by Novo Nordisk Canada. All content is created independently by My Weight – What To Know with no influence from Novo Nordisk.
