In response to the ethical issues surrounding illegal drug compounding within the animal health industry, the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) has formed a drug compounding task force to define compounding guidelines as they relate to the association’s members.

Illegal drug compounding occurs when drug manufacturers circumvent the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) drug approval process and market products that have been manufactured with non-FDA-approved raw ingredients.

Illegal compounding also occurs when a substitute is produced for an existing FDA-approved product or when the bulk manufacturing and distribution of compounded medicine takes place.

The AAEP’s primary purpose in establishing the task force is to educate its membership on the proper use of compounded drugs.  Because many practitioners are confused by the government’s regulations, the task force will develop a concise guide for practitioners that states what is considered legal and illegal when using compounded drugs