Pharmacy verification
How to verify a compounding pharmacy
To verify a compounding pharmacy: get its name and state license number, confirm the license is active in the state board of pharmacy database, check
To verify a compounding pharmacy: get its name and state license number, confirm the license is active in the state board of pharmacy database, check whether it's a 503A or 503B facility, and confirm it's licensed to ship to your state. A provider that won't name its dispensing pharmacy fails the first step.
What you need to know
Verification starts with a name. With compounded drugs, the dispensing pharmacy controls everything that matters for safety — ingredient sourcing, sterility, labeling — so a provider that won't disclose which pharmacy fills your prescription has failed before you begin.
With the name, you can check the state board of pharmacy's license lookup to confirm the license is active and in good standing, and confirm the pharmacy holds a nonresident license to ship into your state if it's located elsewhere. For sterile injectables, whether it's a 503A (patient-specific) or 503B (outsourcing facility) pharmacy tells you which standards apply.
None of this requires special access — state boards publish license lookups, and the NABP maintains resources on accredited pharmacies. The work is a few minutes and it's the highest-leverage safety step you can take.
| Step | What to check | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Name | The dispensing pharmacy's legal name | From the provider (ask directly) |
| 2. License | Active, good standing | State board of pharmacy lookup |
| 3. Ship-to | Nonresident license for your state | State board / pharmacy |
| 4. Type | 503A vs 503B | Pharmacy disclosure / FDA 503B list |
- Get its legal name from the provider
- Confirm the license is active on the state board lookup
- Confirm it can ship to your state
- Determine whether it's 503A or 503B
- Walk away if the pharmacy can't be identified
What the evidence shows
- This guidance reflects FDA compounding information, USP standards, and state board of pharmacy resources.
- Verification steps here are public and checkable.
What the evidence does not show
- That following these steps makes a compounded product FDA-approved — it does not.
- That this page replaces personalized medical or pharmacist advice.
Frequently asked questions
How do I verify a compounding pharmacy?
Get its name, check the state board license lookup for active status, and confirm it can ship to your state.
What if the provider won't name the pharmacy?
That's a red flag — you can't verify a product from an unnamed pharmacy.
Related: pharmacy verification hub · safety hub · cost calculator. Compounded medications are not FDA approved.
Not medical advice. This page is consumer education, not medical advice, and does not recommend a dose, product, or provider. Compounded medications are not FDA approved. Talk with a licensed clinician about your situation.