Compounded Medications: Why Patients Choose Customized Pharmacy Solutions
At some point in a person’s life, getting a prescription filled will be necessary. For the average consumer, the process involves receiving a prescription from a healthcare provider, taking the script to a pharmacy, and having the local pharmacist fulfill the order. However, in some cases, an individual might need a customized prescription. When this situation occurs, a physician or prescriber may encourage a patient to visit a compounding pharmacist.
What is a compound pharmacist?
Not all pharmacies can perform compounding, which is the process of combining or adjusting existing medications. In most cases, customized dosages aren't traditionally offered by pharmaceutical manufacturers. These compounds are catered specifically to the patient. Here are a few times when visiting a compound pharmacist would be a smarter option when filling a prescription.
Trouble taking medications
Sometimes, the size or taste of medication can make consuming a pill or liquid difficult. For individuals struggling to swallow pills, turning to a compounding pharmacy is critical. Specialists at these facilities can take FDA-approved medication ingredients and reformulate those items into alternative versions that are easier for individuals to take. Compounding medications isn't just for people, many of these specialty pharmacies can also make prescriptions for pets.
Avoid allergen triggers
Pharmaceutical companies prioritize potency and purity. However, filler ingredients may still be necessary in some cases to ensure product stability and shelf life. Unfortunately, people with allergies to common irritants such as lactose, gluten, or even dyes may find that the standard FDA format of many medications may trigger allergic reactions. To avoid any adverse medical events, patients with known allergies to prescription fillers should have medications filled at a compounding pharmacy. These experts can reformulate prescriptions to remove ingredients that might trigger a reaction and cause health complications.
Combining multiple medications
Few people want to take several medications consecutively. Similar to a multivitamin that combines several nutrients into one dosage, individuals can request a compounding pharmacy to blend medications together. These custom blends are ideal for any patient who must regularly take multiple prescriptions. While not a necessity, this feature is a convenience that can improve general quality of life. However, not all medications can be safely combined, so be sure to speak with the pharmacist offering compound services to confirm that certain prescriptions can be customized in this way.
Fulfilling discontinued medications
Sometimes, existing medications are replaced by new formulas that incorporate cutting-edge technologies or ingredients that are more effective. In other cases, a pharmaceutical company's patent for specific medications may expire. The firm might discontinue the patented name-brand version, meaning the generic alternative is the only commercially available option at traditional pharmacies. Unfortunately, generics or altered versions of existing medications may not be right for every patient. This is a case where a compounding pharmacy is essential because the location has the raw medication components to still safely fulfill a patient's prescription.
Consider compounding as an alternative
Compounding isn't a solution for every prescription that must be filled, but there are several situations where the method might be the best option. Even though compounding can be more expensive than fulfilling standard prescriptions, the service is vital for patients struggling with special needs or hard-to-find medication. People who might think a compounding pharmacy is needed should speak with a physician or pharmacist.
