Who typically issues requests for compounding pharmacies to create special preparations?

Requests for compounding pharmacies to create special preparations are typically issued by physicians. Physicians are the healthcare professionals responsible for diagnosing conditions and prescribing treatments, which may sometimes require customized medications tailored to meet specific patient needs.

In instances where commercially available medications do not suffice or when a patient requires a specific formulation—such as a different dosage, route of administration, or avoidance of certain allergens—physicians can write a prescription that requests the compounding pharmacy to prepare a unique formulation. This process ensures that patients receive the most effective and appropriate treatment tailored specifically for their circumstances.

While pharmacists, nurses, and estheticians play important roles in patient care and medication management, it is the physician who has the authority and responsibility to prescribe and make requests for compounded medications. This clearly delineates the roles within the healthcare team, ensuring that each professional operates within their scope of practice.