✅ Is Custom Care Available at a Compounding Pharmacy?

What Is a Compounding Pharmacy?

A compounding pharmacy is a pharmacy that creates customized medications based on the specific needs of each patient. This may include preparing medications in different dosages or strengths, or combining two or more medications into a single dosage form.

Compounding pharmacies are also able to prepare medications that are not available commercially. For example, if a patient is unable to swallow a medication in pill form, the compounding pharmacist might prepare the medication as a custom liquid or cream as desired by the patient.

The Need for Compounding Pharmacies

There are several reasons why visiting a compounding pharmacy may be necessary. First, some patients may not be able to take standard medications because they have allergies to certain ingredients, or they may have difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules. In these cases, the compounding pharmacist can prepare a custom medication that does not contain any allergens and is easier to swallow.

Second, some medications are only available in limited dosages or strengths. For example, pediatric patients often require smaller doses of medication than adults. THey may also be sensitive to the dyes, flavorings, preservatives, and additives in commercially available medications. Compounding pharmacists can prepare dosages that are specific to each patient’s needs and care, and without all the additives that a patient might be sensitive to.

Third, some patients may need medication that is not commercially available. For example, for hormone replacement therapy, a compounding pharmacy can create a medication specifically needed to optimize a patient’s hormone levels. For patients with an eye infection, sterile compounding pharmacies can prepare an eye drop with specific antibiotics that are needed to treat your specific eye condition. These are just a couple examples of how compounded medication is useful in treating specific conditions, and is not a one-size-fits-all approach. 

The Benefits of Compounded Medications

There are several benefits of compounded medications:

1) Customized Medications: One of the main benefits of compounded medications is that they are customized specifically for each patient’s needs. This means that the dosage and strength of the medication will be tailored to fit the individual’s unique health profile. This can be especially helpful for patients who have allergies to certain ingredients or who cannot swallow standard tablets or capsules.

2) More Affordable: Because compounded medications are made specifically for each patient, they can be more affordable than commercially-available drugs.   

3) Easier to Take: Some patients find it difficult to take standard tablets and capsules due to swallowing difficulties. Compounded medications can be prepared in alternative forms such as liquids or creams which makes them easier to take.  

4) More Convenient: Compounded medications can often be shipped or delivered directly to the patient’s home, which eliminates the need for them to visit a pharmacy in person.  

5) Better Compliance: When patients receive customized medications that are suited to their specific needs, they are more likely to comply with their treatment plan. This can lead to better health outcomes and fewer hospitalizations.  

6) Improved Quality of Life: By tailoring medications specifically for each patient, compounded pharmacies can help improve the quality of life for many people who suffer from chronic illnesses.