Have Questions About Compounded Medications?
Patients who need medication are not limited to over-the-counter drugs or standard prescriptions. Some patients choose compounded medications, as this option can meet specific health needs. But what is compounding, anyway? Compounding is the process by which a pharmacy can create a custom medication to meet the unique needs of patients. A pharmacist can compound by taking raw ingredients to make a custom solution or by combining multiple medications into a single form. Patients who learn about compounding often have lots of questions. Pharmacists who answer these 3 common questions help patients feel at ease and make better choices.
1. Why do patients need compounded medications?
Over-the-counter and prescription medications are effective, but not beneficial in all cases. Some patients have unique needs that these drugs cannot meet. For instance, a patient may be allergic to a specific ingredient or preservative in a standard medication. Compounding can recreate the drug while removing the allergens. Some drugs are no longer in circulation due to low demand or supply chain issues. A compounding pharmacist can recreate the medication to continue treatment. For patients who cannot take pills, compounding can change the form for ease of use. Pharmacists can change a drug from pill to liquid, topical, or spray forms while changing flavors and dosages. Patients depend on compounded medications for customizable medications, which help improve health outcomes.
2. Do I need a prescription for compounded medications?
Another common question is whether a prescription is required to obtain compounded medications. Compounding is available for prescription and non-prescription medications. Some supplements and pain medications, for instance, can be used with over-the-counter ingredients and do not require a prescription. Once a compounded medication contains a prescription ingredient, however, a prescription is mandatory. Depending on the pharmacy’s location, state regulations, and insurance coverage, a prescription may be required for all compounded medications. Work with a pharmacist to determine if a compounded medication requires a prescription.
3. Are compounded medications FDA-approved and safe?
Compounded solutions are recognized as useful but are not food and drug administration (FDA) approved. In other words, these solutions are not evaluated for safety, effectiveness, or quality by the FDA before use. A lack of FDA approval understandably raises concerns. This does not mean, however, that compounded medications are unsafe or ineffective. Compounding follows strict United States Pharmacopeia (USP) standards. These standards cover quality control, facility management, equipment, handling, and maintenance. All compounding ingredients must be sourced and stored effectively. Many of these requirements far outweigh FDA standards, making compounding a safe and reliable option.
Don’t hesitate to try compounded medications
Compounding is an effective way to get the most out of medication while creating a solution for the unique needs of patients. A well-formulated medication can reduce allergens, improve adherence, and is even cost-effective long term. Patients can even access medication that is no longer produced or difficult to source. Compounding continues to be a strategy for patients to have more control over health outcomes. Work with a pharmacist and doctor to try a compounded solution for any existing health challenge.
