Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Practice Exam

Which compounding activity is NOT permitted for pharmacies that are licensed as manufacturers?

1. Preparing a small quantity of cream for a patient specific to a prescription

2. Preparing an oral solution without using commercial-grade equipment

3. Reconstituting a vancomycin suspension from a manufactured kit

4. Preparing a small quantity of cream for a prescribers office without a patient-specific prescription

The correct answer is: Preparing a small quantity of cream for a prescribers office without a patient-specific prescription

In the context of compounding activities within licensed pharmacies, preparing a small quantity of cream for a prescriber's office without a patient-specific prescription is not permitted for pharmacies that are licensed as manufacturers because it does not comply with the standard practices for patient-specific compounding. Pharmacies are authorized to compound medications specifically for an individual patient based on a valid prescription. This process ensures that the compounding is tailored to the unique needs of that patient. When a pharmacy prepares a medication for a prescriber’s office without a corresponding patient-specific prescription, it can be seen as manufacturing rather than compounding, which is a crucial distinction. Manufacturing implies creating products for distribution rather than for individual patients, which involves different regulatory requirements and oversight. In contrast, preparing a small quantity of cream for a patient specific to a prescription, preparing an oral solution with commercial-grade equipment, or reconstituting a vancomycin suspension from a manufactured kit are all examples of activities permitted under compounding laws. These activities cater to individual patients and follow the appropriate standards for preparation and dispensing, aligning them with pharmacy practice regulations.