What Is a Compounding Pharmacy?
September 06, 2023
When your doctor prescribes a medication for you, they will typically prescribe a commercially available medication that is manufactured in bulk. However, sometimes you may need medications made specifically for your individual needs. That’s where a compounding pharmacy comes in. Here you can find out more about what compounding is and how you may benefit from compounded medications.
What Is Compounding?
Compounding is the creation of a pharmaceutical medication to meet the unique needs of an individual. Compounded medications are necessary when a commercial medication is unable to meet those needs. Compounding is performed at a compound pharmacy by a licensed pharmacist. The drugs created through compounding can be customized based on a doctor’s prescription or a patient’s specific needs. These customizations can form drugs in strengths or dosages that may not be commercially available, and compounded medications can be created without nonessential ingredients or additives to which a patient may be allergic. Compounding can also change the form of a medication for patients who may have difficulty with the commercially available drug form.
When Is a Compounding Pharmacy Necessary?
A compounding pharmacy is necessary when a patient requires a medication that cannot be found in a commercially manufactured drug. Compounding pharmacies have the equipment and training to safely and efficiently compound drugs to meet an individual’s specific needs. These compounded medications can be in several forms, including liquids, capsules, creams, ointments, injections, and more. While all licensed pharmacists learn the basics of compounding during their training, most pharmacies only have basic compounding tools. A compounding pharmacy is specially equipped with all the tools necessary to create medications on a daily basis in a number of different forms. These tools include mortars and pestles, balances, graduated cylinders, ointment slabs, spatulas, and more.
Who Can Benefit From Compounded Medications?
Many patients can benefit from compounded medications. If your doctor prescribes a drug that is currently in shortage or has been discontinued, a compounding pharmacy can create the medication you need even though it is not available from a manufacturer. If you require a dosage that is not commercially available, a compounded medication can be made in the specific dosage you need. Individuals with allergies can also benefit from compounding. If you have an allergy to an ingredient in the manufactured drug, then you can get a compounded medication created without that ingredient. For example, compounding pharmacists can create medications without dyes, lactose, gluten, and other nonessential ingredients. Children and patients who may have difficulty swallowing pills can get a different form of the drug, such as a flavored liquid. Anyone who has difficulty with commercially available drug options can benefit from compounded medications.
Talk to an Expert Pharmacist About Compounded Medications
Are you interested in learning more about what we can do at our compounding pharmacy? Do you have a prescription for a medication that has given you trouble in the past? One of the expert pharmacists at our compounding pharmacy will be happy to talk to you about the compounding services we offer and how you may benefit from them! Stop by one of our Paul’s Pharmacy locations today to start your journey towards better health!
