In what situation would it be illegal for a pharmacy to compound drugs?

The situation in which it would be illegal for a pharmacy to compound drugs is primarily when a pharmacy purchases ingredients from non-licensed sources. Compounding pharmacies are responsible for ensuring that all ingredients used in the compounding process meet specific regulatory requirements and are sourced from licensed, reputable suppliers. Using ingredients from non-licensed sources compromises safety standards and violates federal regulations, which can lead to serious health risks for patients, thereby making the compounding of drugs in such a scenario illegal.

In contrast, selling dosage forms to physicians or other pharmacies under certain circumstances may be permissible as long as it complies with state and federal regulations surrounding compounding practices and intended use. Compounding drugs for personal use may also be legal, provided they are tailored for a specific patient based on a valid doctor-patient relationship and do not violate regulations regarding bulk compounding or manufacturing. Therefore, the procurement of ingredients from unlicensed suppliers is the primary factor that makes compounding illegal in this context.