Having access to compounded medications is extremely important to 80 percent of veterinary practices, according to a new study conducted by Wedgewood Pharmacy, of Swedesboro, N.J. The survey also showed that 40 percent prescribe compounded medications every week and 31 percent do so every day. All of the practices surveyed prescribe custom-made medications at least several times a year. Some of the most important factors the respondents consider when choosing a compounding pharmacy are: Factor Percent Saying It’s Very Important Consistency of the product 94% Knowledgeable customer service people 85% Ability to prescribe by telephone 76% Available dosage forms and flavors 73% Prior experience with the pharmacy 72% Large selection of preparations 61% Access to pharmacists for consultations 58% The survey results are based on the responses of 295 Wedgewood Pharmacy customers. Sixty-nine percent of the respondents were veterinarians and the remaining were other professionals who facilitate veterinarians’ prescribing through compounded pharmacies. Sixty-two percent represented small- and companion-animal practices; 21 percent represented specialized equine practices, while the rest represented other types of practices including feline-only, zoos, rescue organizations and universities. <HOME>
