Compound Pharmacy

When it comes to health and medications, a one-size-fits-all approach may not deliver the best or optimal results in patients with unique health conditions. Creating customized medication through compound pharmacy has many benefits and may be required for an individual patient to receive active ingredients needed, while minimizing side effects and reactions they may be prone to with a mass-produced drug manufacturer.

A compound pharmacy offers access to individualized prescription medications, and medications that aren’t widely or readily available at retail pharmacies. Healthcare providers and licensed pharmacists work together in creating the ideal treatment plan for patients and can modify attributes of a compound drug such as dosage form and even flavor.

This type of patient centered pharmacy can greatly benefit those who have unique health needs and desires.

Different types of drug compounding

There are two categories of drug compounding: sterile and non-sterile. These both benefit from the customization aspect, however, the difference is in the type of dosage.

Sterile compounding are dosage forms that have a higher risk of infection when administered if the medication is contaminated. This includes injections, eye drops, and infusions. These medications are made in special environments with tight regulations in place to minimize the risk of any adverse event happening.

Non-sterile compounds are medications with lower risk of infection during administration such as creams, capsules, and suppositories.

Benefits of Compound Pharmacy

The most significant benefit of human drug compounding is the ability to tailor and individualize medication to the needs of the patient. There are many other benefits as well including:

Lessened side effects and reactions. Prescription medications produced by large pharmaceutical companies may contain dyes and other ingredients that a patient may have adverse reactions to that a compound pharmacy can often remove. Furthermore, a customized dosage and formulation reduces exposure to unnecessary quantities of drugs, thereby reducing side effects.

Reduced risk of addiction and dependency. Compound Pharmacy medications reduce risks of dependency on pain medications through reduced dosages and alternative delivery methods (for example, topical medications rather than oral medications).

Makes drugs easier to take. Especially beneficial to children, altering the drug’s flavor through a compound pharmacy can make it more palatable for children to take orally.

Easy administration. Patients who need to regularly take multiple medications can simplify administration by using compounding to merge multiple pills into a single dosage.

Increased accessibility. Individuals can still fill their needed prescriptions even if a drug is not widely available at retail pharmacies, discontinued, or out of stock.

Alternative dosage forms. Drug compounding can alter the form of administration to make taking medication easier, such as powders and liquids for those who have difficulty swallowing pills.

Excellent customer service and experience. Taking a more personalized approach to medication often entails a better experience in terms of customer care and relationship building with compounding pharmacists.