There’s Nothing Wrong With Having Unique Health Needs
Dealing with an ongoing health condition is difficult for anyone. The multitude of consultations, tests, and treatments are physically, mentally, and even financially taxing. Medication is often an essential step in long-term management. Yet, the solutions provided by major pharmaceutical companies seek to treat the masses. These mass-produced drugs are accessible but come in specific doses and forms. Doctors understand that patients are not alike. Many have unique health needs. Creating custom medications via compounding can address problems preventing treatment while creating more opportunities for patients to live healthier lives.
Is compounding the answer?
To address the unique needs of some patients, pharmacists are leaning on compounding, a tried-and-true method of improving health outcomes. Compounding is a practice where a pharmacist can create or replicate medicine in the office using a specific set of ingredients. In a controlled environment, the pharmacist combines ingredients or multiple medications to create a new, custom form. Manufacturing speed and efficiency, along with mass demand, have replaced compounding, but there has been a resurgence. Genetic, environmental, personal, and lifestyle factors affect medication use. Should these continue, the patient can fail to get the necessary treatment needed to reduce symptoms or even become disease-free. A compound option can help create the custom medications necessary to address multiple pain points patients experience with medication.
Custom medications mean custom forms
Most compounding solutions are not commercially available. Mass-produced medicines are convenient but often come in pill form. This can be inconvenient for children or individuals who have difficulty swallowing. Another form can help patients with lifestyles or specific diseases that prevent oral medication use. Compounding recreates the medicine into a liquid, spray, or topical form. The compounding team can add flavors or other attributes to increase medication adherence. By listening to the patient, the compounding pharmacy can make the changes necessary to produce the desired results.
Compounding creates a dose just for you
Mass-produced medication comes in specific doses for consistency, but there are drawbacks. Prescription medications tend to have numerous side effects, as other unrelated organs can suffer damage. Breaking the pill in half does not mean half of the dose. Compounding can ensure the patient receives a specific dose based on doctor recommendations. Genetics cause some patients to metabolize drugs differently. Compounding tweaks the solution for the appropriate dose or includes faster or slower-acting ingredients. Allergy management brings another obstacle, as allergies and sensitivities to ingredients found in mass-produced drugs limit adherence. Compounding can remove the allergen, creating a solution no one else can enjoy.
Compounding addresses your medication shortages
Statistics show that 66% of American adults use prescription drugs. These high numbers mean a high demand for medicine, which often means a limited supply. Some pharmacies struggle to restock prescribed brands. Compounding can recreate a much-needed alternative using similar or generic forms of active ingredients. The patient receives the same treatment, avoiding worsening symptoms or hospital visits. Compounding even steps in for discontinued medicines. Poor demand can take drugs, once popular in unique cases, off the market. If the doctor and pharmacist agree on this specific option, custom medications are then compounded, giving patients a fighting chance.
Special populations need medicine, too
Compounding has been particularly useful in certain medical disciplines. For instance, couples need specific hormone medications for reproductive treatment. Pain management, dermatology, and veterinary medicine also depend on compounding for individual health needs. Some populations, like pediatric or geriatric patients, require specific formulations for ease of use. Children can use medications that are easy to swallow or more pleasant to consume. Geriatric patients may need lower medication doses. Compounding means each group can get access to medication.
Work with your pharmacist for compounding benefits
Treating health challenges takes time, effort, and a delicate yet dedicated approach. Some patients need even more precise care due to unique challenges that prevent the use of standard drugs. Custom medications strip away the obstacles preventing medication use or leading to unpleasant side effects. Individual health needs for young and old are no longer leading to worsening symptoms. A compound pharmacy can work with a doctor to get the patient improved treatment.
