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NAD+ glossary · Treatment & safety

What is a 503A compounding pharmacy?

A 503A pharmacy is a state-licensed pharmacy that compounds medicine for individual patients with a valid prescription, under section 503A of federal law. 503B outsourcing facilities work differently.

  • Also called503A vs 503B
  • CategoryTreatment & safety
  • Term25 of 30

Medically reviewed by Vanessa Niles, R.N., M.D., F.A.C.O.G. —

Definition

503A compounding pharmacy, in plain English

Section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act describes when compounded drugs are exempt from certain federal requirements, including FDA approval. A key condition is a valid prescription for an identified patient.

503A pharmacies are overseen mainly by state boards of pharmacy.

Law
FD&C Act section 503A
Needs
Patient-specific prescription
Overseen by
State boards of pharmacy
Side-by-side comparison of a 503A pharmacy compounding one prescription and a 503B outsourcing facility making batches
503A compounds for one patient; 503B makes batches under CGMP.

How it connects

503B outsourcing facilities can compound larger batches without patient-specific prescriptions. The FDA says they must follow current good manufacturing practice (CGMP), and it inspects them on a risk-based schedule.

Browse all 30 NAD+ terms

For your treatment

What 503A compounding pharmacy means for NAD+ therapy

Your NAD+ is compounded by a licensed U.S. pharmacy under your prescription. Your state board of pharmacy can confirm a pharmacy's license, and the FDA lists registered 503B facilities.

  • Free online consultation with a licensed U.S. provider
  • NAD+ nasal spray or injection, plans from $166 a month if prescribed
  • NAD+ has no FDA-approved use; compounded NAD+ isn’t FDA-approved

Questions

503A compounding pharmacy: common questions

What is a 503A compounding pharmacy?

A 503A pharmacy is a state-licensed pharmacy that compounds medicine for individual patients with a valid prescription, under section 503A of federal law. 503B outsourcing facilities work differently.

What's the difference between 503A and 503B?

503A pharmacies compound for individual patients with prescriptions, mainly under state oversight. 503B outsourcing facilities can make larger batches, must follow CGMP and register with the FDA.

Is a 503A pharmacy safe?

Licensed 503A pharmacies are regulated by states, but their products aren't FDA-approved. Choose a licensed pharmacy and a provider who reviews your health first.

What strengths does NADMedics prescribe?

Nasal spray: 30 mg per 0.1 mL in a 15 mL bottle. Injection: 200 mg/mL in a 5 mL vial. Your provider sets your dose.

How do I report a side effect?

Tell your provider, and you can report it to the FDA's MedWatch program. Call 911 for chest pain or trouble breathing.

Do I need a prescription for NAD+?

Yes. Compounded NAD+ requires a prescription from a licensed provider after a review of your health.

Official sources

503A compounding pharmacy: sources and official resources

Official government and research sources behind this page, so you can check the facts yourself.

  1. U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationHuman Drug Compounding Laws

    How sections 503A and 503B of federal law govern compounding pharmacies and outsourcing facilities.

  2. U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationInformation for Outsourcing Facilities

    Requirements for 503B outsourcing facilities, including current good manufacturing practice.

  3. U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationRegistered Outsourcing Facilities

    FDA's list of registered 503B outsourcing facilities.

  4. U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationCompounding and the FDA: Questions and Answers

    What compounded medicines are and why they aren't FDA-approved.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Vanessa Niles, R.N., M.D., F.A.C.O.G., on October 12, 2026. This glossary is general education, not medical advice. NAD+ has no FDA-approved use, and compounded NAD+ is not FDA-approved or evaluated by the FDA for safety or effectiveness. Talk with a licensed provider before starting any supplement or treatment.

Questions about NAD+? Ask a provider

Book a free online consultation. A licensed U.S. provider reviews your health and, if NAD+ fits, prescribes the nasal spray or injection, with plans from $166 a month.

Book a free consultation