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.
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

How it connects
How 503A compounding pharmacy relates to NAD+
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.
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.
Keep learning
Related NAD+ terms
Terms that connect to 503A compounding pharmacy, each explained on its own page.
- Treatment & safetyCompounded medicationA compounded medication is a drug mixed or altered by a licensed pharmacist for an individual patient. Compounded drugs, including compounded NAD+, aren't FDA-approved.
- MoleculesNAD+NAD+ is the oxidized form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a coenzyme found in every living cell. It carries electrons for energy metabolism and is used by enzymes involved in DNA repair.
- Treatment & safetyBioavailabilityBioavailability is how much of a medicine, and how fast, reaches the bloodstream or the place where it acts. It differs by route: IV, injection, nasal spray or by mouth.
- Treatment & safetyTelehealthTelehealth is health care delivered remotely, by video, phone or secure messaging. NADMedics uses it so a licensed U.S. provider can evaluate you for NAD+ therapy without an office visit.
Official sources
503A compounding pharmacy: sources and official resources
Official government and research sources behind this page, so you can check the facts yourself.
- U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationHuman Drug Compounding Laws
How sections 503A and 503B of federal law govern compounding pharmacies and outsourcing facilities.
- U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationInformation for Outsourcing Facilities
Requirements for 503B outsourcing facilities, including current good manufacturing practice.
- U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationRegistered Outsourcing Facilities
FDA's list of registered 503B outsourcing facilities.
- 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
Nasal SprayFrom $166/mo
InjectionFrom $166/mo