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Millions of medications are compounded each year in the US to meet the unique needs of patients. Compounding provides access to medication for patients who may not be able to use commercially available formulations due to dosing requirements, allergies or rare diseases. Medications that are required to be sterile include those administered through injection, intravenous infusion (IV), intraocular (injection in the eye) or intrathecal (injection in the spine).

Understanding the risks inherent in sterile compounding and incorporating established standards are essential for patient safety. Compounded medications made without the guidance of standards may be sub-potent, super potent or contaminated, exposing patients to significant risk of adverse events or even death.

USP develops standards for preparing compounded sterile medications to help ensure patient benefit and reduce risks such as contamination, infection or incorrect dosing.

Developing USP General Chapter <797>

USP is a not-for-profit, science-driven organization that has an established process for convening independent experts in the development and maintenance of healthcare quality standards. The process is public health focused, leveraging current science and technology, and draws on the expertise of scientists and healthcare practitioners while providing opportunities for public input from stakeholders throughout the standards’ progress.

The USP Compounding Expert Committee is responsible for the development of General Chapter <797>. Review their work plan and past meeting summaries.

Stay Involved: Stakeholder Engagement

Your participation is integral to the standard setting process. Stay involved and sign up to receive updates from USP.

Resources

• USP <797> FAQs
• USP <797> Commentary 
• USP General Chapter Education Courses
• Sign up for USP Healthcare Quality & Safety Updates