What is the definition of compounding in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, the definition of compounding is specifically the combination of ingredients according to a prescription. Compounding involves preparing a medication that is tailored to the specific needs of a patient, as directed by a healthcare provider. This process is carried out in response to a prescription and allows pharmacists to create a medication that may not be commercially available, considering factors such as dosage form or patient allergies.

The focus on having a prescription is crucial, as it differentiates compounding from other processes such as mere mixing of ingredients or preparing devices. In this regulatory context, the act of compounding is tightly controlled and must follow specific guidelines; it is not simply any combination of substances but rather a professional practice that adheres to patient safety and therapeutic effectiveness. Thus, the emphasis on compounding being performed as per a prescription underscores its role in customized patient care within the state’s legal framework.