What aspect of compounded products can environmental factors impact?

Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and light exposure can significantly impact the stability of compounded products. Stability refers to the ability of a pharmaceutical preparation to maintain its intended physical, chemical, therapeutic, and microbiological quality throughout its shelf life.

For example, if a compounded product is exposed to high temperatures, it may degrade faster than expected, leading to reduced effectiveness or potential toxicity. Similarly, high humidity can promote the growth of microorganisms, compromising both the safety and efficacy of the preparation. Light exposure can also lead to degradation of sensitive compounds, altering their therapeutic properties.

Thus, understanding and controlling environmental factors is crucial for ensuring that compounded products remain stable and safe for patient use over time. The emphasis on stability reflects the importance of proper storage conditions during both the compounding process and when the products are being held in inventory before use.