When manufacturers cannot meet patient needs, state-licensed compounding pharmacies are authorized in federal law to prepare needed medications based on prescriptions from licensed prescribers. For many patients, the copies compounding pharmacies have prepared have served as a lifeline, filling that gap and ensuring those patients can continue their medication therapy.

A bill moving in the U.S. Senate, the so-called SAFE Drugs Act (S.3794), would severely limit drug compounding during shortages and make it harder for patients to receive needed medications when FDA-approved products are unavailable. This includes all medications – from amoxicillin to treat infections to lidocaine as an anesthetic. Every medication is at risk if there is a shortage.

Shortage drug compounding is not a loophole. It is a lifeline when the regular drug supply chain fails patients.