What’s Hidden In Your Medication?
For the millions of Americans who depend on prescription medication, many would be surprised by the contents of each pill. The active ingredient needed to address the symptom or ailment is only part of the many ingredients contained. Along with active medication, prescription drugs contain stabilizers, additives, binders, dyes, and preservatives. Most fillers help to hold the ingredients together, create practical pill sizes, and add color or sweetness. Some help medication to break down easily when consumed. Many fillers have practical uses from a manufacturer, patient use, or storage standpoint. At the same time, some of these ingredients negatively affect some patients. People seeking filler-free medication can work with compounding pharmacies to create custom solutions.
Customized medication
Compounding is a pharmaceutical practice designed to meet the individual needs of patients. This unique type of pharmacy mixes and combines high-grade ingredients to create a custom option for the patient. Sometimes, the compounding pharmacy can combine multiple medications into a single-use form. Compounding pharmacies can make sterile and non-sterile solutions with the facility set up for the specific needs of these drugs. With compounding, there is a degree of flexibility as the pharmacy can control the ingredients, dosage, and form. Not all patients need custom medication, and many can see excellent results from standard prescriptions. However, the benefits of a compounded option cannot be underestimated for individuals with unique needs.
Core advantages of personalized medication
As medical care is not a one-size-fits-all approach, compounding pharmacies can step in. For instance, the pharmacy can create a custom solution with the appropriate dosage. Compounding is best for patients who need different doses than those available commercially to reduce the risk of side effects. Compounding also allows pharmacies to change the form and flavor of medication. Changing to a liquid, gel, or topical formulation can improve adherence, while flavoring can help make the medication more palatable. Compounding provides immediate access to medication that is out of stock, no longer on the market, or on backorder. Best of all, medications can be created filler-free, allowing patients to experience fewer side effects while increasing adherence.
Who benefits from filler-free formulations?
Many people can benefit from filler-free custom medications. For instance, lactose intolerance affects approximately 44% of Americans, yet lactose is the most common pharmaceutical filler. Gluten may appear in medications without clear labeling, creating risks for patients with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Certain dyes and colorants, which have been associated with allergic reactions and hyperactivity, can also be added. Preservatives like sulfites can trigger asthmatic responses or skin reactions in some patients. Patients who take multiple prescriptions and are severely impacted by side effects can consolidate the treatment, avoiding the dangers of polypharmacy.
What to look for in a pharmacy
Ask a medical provider for recommended local pharmacies that can provide filler-free medication. Local pharmacies can often double as compounding pharmacies. For patients looking for a reputable compounding pharmacy, consider an accredited space that ensures compliance with rigorous industry standards. Ask pharmacies about quality records, testing, and expertise. The best compounding pharmacy can create the requested medication at an affordable cost while providing support and patient education.
Better outcomes from compounded medication
Fillers are considered essential in medication but can lead to allergies or unpleasant side effects. Patients still need the active ingredient to manage conditions, so giving up the pill entirely is typically not an option. Compounding is a great way to address allergens or sensitivities in prescription medication, while helping maintain adherence and improve health outcomes.
