Which of the following statements is true regarding client consent for compounded drugs?

Written consent being required is crucial in the context of compounded drugs due to the unique risks and considerations associated with these medications. Compounding often involves creating customized medications tailored to the specific needs of a patient, which can differ from commercially available products. This customization means there may be additional risks regarding safety and efficacy that need to be communicated clearly to the client.

By obtaining written consent, veterinarians ensure that the client has acknowledged and understands these risks, as well as the rationale behind using a compounded drug instead of a standard product. This formal consent process helps protect both the client and the veterinarian by creating a documented agreement regarding the use of compounded medications. It establishes clear communication, which is essential in veterinary practice to foster trust and transparency between the veterinarian and the client.

While oral consent in some situations might seem sufficient, written consent provides a more robust legal safeguard and promotes clarity, especially when compounding practices can vary significantly from one situation to another. In terms of high-risk medications, although additional caution may be warranted, the requirement for consent is universally applicable across all compounded drugs, not just those deemed high-risk. Thus, written consent is essential for all compounded products.