Essential: The Pharmacy Compounding Podcast
Welcome to Essential: The Pharmacy Compounding Podcast! Where we bring you news and analysis from the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding (APC). Hosted by Andrew Cantor with APC.
Episodes

Aug 21, 2026
Aug 21, 2026
30 min
This episode looks at some smart ways to regulate pharmacy when it comes to med spas and pop-up clinics — ways that won’t cut patients off from their meds. We also look at the latest news on the thyroid-extract front, what’s happening with peptide compounding, and a bill in California that could bode well for pharmacists nationwide.Then we talk with Kristen Jones, PharmD, from Pharmacists Mutual about how insurance companies view compounding, and why compounders are taking a bigger risk than they might realize if they’re compounding peptides.Pharmacists Mutual: https://pmuw.comJoin APC: a4pc.org/joinStay up to date on these topics and more at: a4pc.org/news

Jul 14, 2026
Jul 14, 2026
39 min
In this episode, Andrew Kantor is joined by federal lobbyist David Pore and PCCA's Amy Shank to examine the proposed SAFE Act and its potential impact on compounding pharmacies. The discussion explores concerns that the bill could restrict patient access to compounded medications during drug shortages, impose new limitations on 503A pharmacies, and disproportionately affect legitimate compounders while failing to address bad actors. The episode also unpacks the legislation's connection to GLP-1 demand, adverse event reporting, and the bipartisan politics surrounding the bill, while encouraging listeners to stay engaged in APC's advocacy efforts.

Jun 4, 2026
Jun 4, 2026
41 min
This episode we look at some of the latest compounding news, and then we’ve got a deep dive into state-level legislation with the Leading Ladies of Pharmacy Compounding Advocacy.What bills are being introduced? What do they really mean when you read the detail? How will they affect state policies, and what could come next? And, of course, how are APC and compounding pharmacies fighting back against the bad bills that put patients at risk?If you’re a compounder, if you have patients who use compounded medications, or if you’re a patient yourself, you’ll want to hear this.Links from the podcast:The FDA statement on excluding GLP-1s from bulk compounding: https://fllw.me/491oGl3FDA Law Blog on the state of peptide compounding: https://fllw.me/4cpFF2C (part 1), https://fllw.me/4nxd13G (part 2)Is It Legit? to find a state-licensed compounding pharmacy: https://a4pc.org/isitlegitJoin APC! https://a4pc.org/join

May 7, 2026
May 7, 2026
1 hr 2 min
This episode we look at a bunch of statements from the FDA and from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. And of course there are peptides to talk about these days. Does anyone really know what’s going on with those?Our deep dive is a special one: Our guest is Al Carter, the CEO of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, and he gives us a totally different perspective on the regulatory landscape at the level that affects pharmacists every day.Links from the podcast:The latest FDA statement on DTE: https://fllw.me/4sL6zXw The Coalition for Compounding Excellence’s first audit process guide (compounding records and quality control): https://fllw.me/3Oew1qr FDA Law Blog on the state of peptide compounding: https://fllw.me/4cpFF2C National Association of Boards of Pharmacy: https://nabp.pharmacy Join APC! https://a4pc.org/join

Mar 17, 2026
Mar 17, 2026
22 min
This week we look at a somewhat confusing, possibly problematic FDA statement, as well as the anti-compounding bills popping up across the country. Our Deep Dive this week is a hot topic: AI in pharmacies — how it’s being used successfully, but also how you can use it to streamline your workflow and, yes, even increase your bottom line. Our expert will tell you what to look for, and what easy pitfall you need to avoid. Links from the podcast: The troublesome FDA statement: https://fllw.me/4utzQIw APC’s Snapshot of Pharmacy Compounding: https://a4pc.org/snapshot Read more about the 2002 Supreme Court case "Thompson v. Western States Medical Center": https://www.oyez.org/cases/2001/01-344 TJM Labs: https://tjmlabs.com Join APC: https://a4pc.org/join

Mar 4, 2026
Mar 4, 2026
35 min
In this edition of Essential, we look at two major issues facing pharmacy compounding. First is a state-by-state effort by pharma companies to pass laws restricting compounding, and second is a cryptic statement from the FDA about possible limitations on compounding with GLP-1 ingredients. They’re both Very Big Deals for pharmacists across the country.LinksFDA statement on GLP-1 drugs: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-intends-take-action-against-non-fda-approved-glp-1-drugs… and APC’s response: https://a4pc.org/news/apc-responds-to-fdas-glp-1-statement Stay up to date on our state Compounding Defense Initiative: compounding.com Join APC today: https://a4pc.org/membership Find us on social:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a4pcrx/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/a4pcrx/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a4pcrx/

Jan 8, 2026
Jan 8, 2026
33 min
In this edition of Essential, we’ve got concerns about the FDA’s revolving door, some issues with a new California law that might affects the whole country, and a new accreditation that might save a lot of headache. Then we take a deep dive into the once and future world of compounded peptides — where they are, and where they might be going … and why.LinksFDA’s revolving door: https://archive.ph/oxBXP

Nov 21, 2025
Nov 21, 2025
38 min
In this edition of Essential, we’ve got updates on some big compounding news — like the FDA’s long-overdue decision to remove the boxed warning from some menopause hormone-replacement therapy drugs. (And yes, that’s important for compounding pharmacists!)We also look at the hubbub at FDA over what (allegedly) was behind the decision that would have effectively banned compounding with desiccated thyroid extract, plus some stories from the states, and more.This month’s deep dive: Mythbusting, compounded-GLP-1 style! What have the big drugmakers been saying, and how much of it is true? They’re spreading stories, but our experts put them to the test. Don’t miss out!LinksJoin APC today: https://a4pc.org/membership FDA to remove boxed warning from HRT medications: https://archive.ph/R8DJD An example of what appears to be an op-ed pushed by a pharma company. The writer, a “former healthcare professional,”doesn’t appear to exist: https://archive.ph/OPNWr Find a legitimate, licensed compounding pharmacy: https://a4pc.org/isitlegit Benefits of becoming an APC PFM: https://a4pc.org/pfm

Oct 30, 2025
Oct 30, 2025
41 min
In this edition of Essential, we look at how we’re pushing back against the FDA’s upcoming ban on desiccated thyroid extract, why drugmakers’ latest tactics against compounding pharmacies are backfiring, and we give you a great way to make sure your practice is performing at its best.Then we take a deep dive with attorney and pharmacist Mark Boesen into the lawsuits being filed against compounding pharmacies, what the results have been, and how they might affect more than just pharmacy in the future. Boesen & Snow Law: https://www.boesensnowlaw.com/DTE story (https://a4pc.org/news/ask-your-patients-help-us-protect-dte-access)“FDA’s confusing warning letters” (https://a4pc.org/news/fdas-confusing-warning-letters)“FDA’s green list: Not our problem?” (https://a4pc.org/news/fdas-green-list-not-our-problem)Compounding.com/thyroidBest practices documents (a4pc.org/bestpractices)National Review article on FDA crackdown (https://archive.ph/LYy7t)

Sep 18, 2025
Sep 18, 2025
31 min
This episode of Essential unpacks FDA confusion, California’s latest compounding curveball, and pharma-fueled myths about GLP-1s. We spotlight APC’s advocacy wins on Capitol Hill and why pharmacy tours pack political punch. Plus, the FDA’s eyebrow-raising move to reclassify natural thyroid products — and why it matters for patients everywhere.News item about California reg: https://a4pc.org/news/this-one-little-word-could-trip-you-up





