Definition
Prepared for a patient instead of factory finished
In compounding, a licensed pharmacist or doctor makes up a medicine themselves rather than handing over a finished, FDA-approved product.
Claim sourceFDA compounding questions and answers
Term card
Compounding: medicine made to order
This word describes how a product is prepared. It does not mean the FDA approved it.
Read time: a few calm minutes
Approval
A compound is not FDA-approved
A compounded medicine reaches the market without the FDA confirming its safety, effectiveness or quality.
Claim sourceFDA compounding questions and answers
BPC-157 status
Taking back a request did not make it allowed
In September 2026, BPC-157 was missing from the federal list of raw ingredients that regular pharmacies are allowed to mix into made-to-order medicines. Groups had asked for it to be added, then took those requests back.
Claim sourceFDA bulk-substance page
Plain check
Ask who made it
Get the pharmacy’s legal name, then check that name with the relevant state board.
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