Health Dimensions Compounding Pharmacy Continues to Compound 17P (Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate) with the Consent of the FDA

Online, May 10, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Following a news release from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that it "does not intend to take enforcement action against pharmacies that compound" the drug, patients can breathe a sigh of relief.

On February 3, 2011, Makena® - the manufactured version of Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate (17P) - was approved for release, but at a 150%-200% increase in price. A typical course of treatment previously averaged around a few hundred dollars. But Makena® now charges a per-dose price of $1,500, increasing the average to more than $30,000 per patient.

When an identical drug is manufactured and released as a commercial product, compounding pharmacies must discontinue making the compounded version. However, the FDA's announcement declared that the agency will continue to allow compounding pharmacies to prepare the medication "at this time and under this unique situation". Scott Popyk, RPh MBA FIACP Health Dimension's president and CEO said, "As compounding pharmacy specialists, we have supplied doctors and their patients with the compounded version of hydoxyprogesterone caproate (17P) for years. We are devoted to making sure that at-risk patients have access to the proper care for their unborn child(ren), without the added worry of financial hardship. We support the FDA 100% in their decision."

A series of litigation, both informal and formal, are being brought against Makena's excessive pricing. Strong reactions from consumers, financial analysts, health-care providers, and even members of Congress have created a demand for action from the Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission.

Health Dimensions Compounding Pharmacy first opened in 1996 and is one of the largest accredited compounding pharmacies in the Midwest , providing more than 5,000 physicians with compounds for their human and veterinary patients.

For information on Hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17P), or practitioners that specialize in this service in the area contact Health Dimensions Compounding Pharmacy at 1-800-836-2303 or online at www.hdrx.com