In this episode, Dr. Brian Payne from Veterinary Pharmaceutical Solutions joins The Turkey Talk Show to explain the growing role of compounding in turkey health. He breaks down how customized medications are helping veterinarians and producers find effective treatment options for turkeys when FDA-approved products aren’t available, and why communication between farmers, vets, and pharmaceutical companies is key to success.
In this episode, Dr. Brian Payne from Veterinary Pharmaceutical Solutions joins The Turkey Talk Show to explain the growing role of compounding in turkey health. He breaks down how customized medications are helping veterinarians and producers find effective treatment options for turkeys when FDA-approved products aren’t available, and why communication between farmers, vets, and pharmaceutical companies is key to success.
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Brian Payne, a veterinarian with Veterinary Pharmaceutical Solutions (VPS) in northern Illinois. After years in private practice, Dr. Payne transitioned into the pharmaceutical industry, where he now helps veterinarians and producers find customized medication options through compounding.
He explains the difference between compounding and manufacturing. Manufacturing involves producing FDA-approved drugs—a process that can take up to ten years, resulting in products labeled for specific species and uses. Compounding, on the other hand, takes an active ingredient and prepares it in a new form so it can be used safely and effectively in another species or situation. For example, a human medication like meloxicam can be compounded into a form that turkeys can receive through their water line.
Compounded products are only available with a veterinarian’s prescription and through a licensed compounding pharmacy. Both the vet and pharmacy must keep records for two years, and each product includes a withdrawal period and a “beyond-use date” instead of a traditional expiration. Unlike manufactured drugs, compounded medications are made on a case-by-case basis to address specific, immediate needs and aren’t meant to sit on a shelf. Veterinary Pharmaceutical Solutions typically compounds prescriptions the same day they’re received, with products often arriving on-farm within one to two days.
Compounding has grown more common in the turkey industry because few FDA-approved medications exist for turkeys. Companies like Veterinary Pharmaceutical Solutions have helped fill this gap by adapting products from other species, following strict FDA and pharmacy board regulations. While veterinarians can compound themselves, most rely on trusted pharmacies to ensure quality and compliance.
Dr. Payne emphasizes that not every drug can or should be compounded, and veterinarians should always start with FDA-approved products when available. If those don’t meet the need, producers can work with their vet to explore compounded alternatives. To learn more or connect with Dr. Payne and the Veterinary Pharmaceutical team, or visit veterinarypharmaceuticalsolutions.com.
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