With more injectable products being promoted and sold online, it is becoming increasingly important to know exactly what you are putting into your body.

Not every product marketed as "compounded" has the same level of oversight. Some products may have limited information about their ingredients, where they were made or what testing has been undertaken. In some cases, untested or incorrectly prepared products can contain the wrong amount of an active ingredient, contaminants or harmful substances that can cause infection and other serious reactions.

So, before you inject, it’s important to ask. What exactly is in this, who made it and how has it been tested?

So before you inject, ask. What exactly is in it, and who made it?

Start with the ingredients

You should be able to clearly identify the active ingredient, strength and other ingredients in your medication, as well as the pharmacy responsible for preparing it.

It is also reasonable to ask how the product has been tested, particularly when it is intended for injection. Testing provides important checks that the preparation has been made correctly and meets the appropriate quality requirements.

At IWG, our sterile compounding process is supported by a comprehensive quality testing programme. Every sterile batch we prepare undergoes following testing at various stages of the preparation to ensure product integrity:

• Sterility testing
  Performed on every sterile batch in accordance with USP standards to confirm the  preparation is free from microbial contamination. This is particularly important for medicines intended to be injected, where contamination can pose a risk of infection and other harmful reactions.
• Endotoxin testing
  Detects bacterial endotoxins that may remain even when bacteria themselves are no longer present. Identifying endotoxins helps reduce the risk of adverse reactions following administration.

We also undertake additional testing where appropriate:

• Potency testing
  To verify the accuracy of compounding and confirm the preparation contains the prescribed amount of active ingredient.
• Stability testing
  Where appropriate, to support the assigned beyond-use date and help ensure product integrity over time.

 

This testing forms part of our broader commitment to rigorous quality systems, experienced pharmacy teams and patient safety.

If you are prescribed a compounded injectable medicine, don't be afraid to ask questions before you make a purchase.

 

This article is for general educational purposes only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist.