North Phoenix · care questions
What does made to order mean?
With compounding, a medicine is prepared to order rather than provided as a ready-made product. A licensed doctor, licensed pharmacist or registered facility that prepares these medicines may make it.
Why it may be considered
According to FDA, the Food and Drug Administration, a compounded medicine may fill a medical need left unmet by approved products. Examples include a dye allergy or trouble swallowing a tablet.
- A personal medical need is different from wanting a cheaper version.
- Ask which change matters for your situation.
- Ask why the available approved options do not fit.
What approval does not cover
As of September 26, 2026, compounded preparations have no FDA approval. FDA does not check their safety, quality or how well they work before they reach the market.
- A pharmacy licence does not change the approval status of a compounded product.
- When preparation is poor, a medicine may contain germs or too much or too little of its active ingredient. The part meant to produce the medicine’s effect is called its active ingredient.
- Ask who makes it and what information comes with it.
A past shortage is not permission now
FDA’s national shortage list did not include semaglutide or tirzepatide injections when checked September 26, 2026. An empty shelf at a local pharmacy is a separate issue.
- The law limits making regular copies of approved medicines that are available to buy. A medicine changed for one named patient may be treated differently under that copy rule. For that named patient, the prescriber must judge the change to make a significant difference. This exception does not remove the other rules for making the medicine.
- Adding a vitamin does not automatically make a copy of an approved medicine lawful.
- Ask for the reason this particular preparation can be supplied under the current rules.