Pros & Cons Of Brand Name Prescription Drugs
About 66% of American adults use at least 1 prescription drug. These are essential medications necessary to manage pain or improve symptoms of chronic disease. To meet the demands, pharmaceutical companies create manufactured brands of prescription drugs. Most come in pill form, with set doses to address the average adult. The challenge arises when these manufactured brands, though well-intentioned and marketed, are not ideal for someone. Everyone’s makeup, environments, and circumstances differ, and pharmacy solutions should be viewed similarly. With a compounding pharmacy, choosing one’s prescription medication is possible.
With compounding, the choice is yours
Compounding is a tried and tested strategy used by highly skilled local pharmacists. A compounding pharmacy can change, alter, or recreate a prescription drug or supplement. In the cases of multiple medications, compounding allows mixing this drug into a single dose. Compounding is necessary to meet the individual needs of patients. Instead of being limited to the pros and cons of manufactured brands, patients can create a custom drug at the appropriate dose. The choice and autonomy of compounding is often a difference-maker in treating pain or chronic disease.
Compounding pharmacy benefits
A compounding pharmacy can change the dose and form of a drug. By changing the dose, pharmacists serve individuals with specific needs, such as children or elderly adults. These groups often need specific doses for the best results. Changing the form also helps with improving medication adherence and reducing side effects. For instance, the pharmacy can create liquid, topical, or lozenge forms of the same drug. Compounding provides the dosage and form flexibility not available in manufactured brands. A patient can acquire a unique form and dosage with no allergens and minimum side effects.
Collaboration leads to healthier patients
Compounding is not just about changing the form for the patient’s convenience. This simple step can have long-lasting effects on someone’s overall health. A custom solution means the patient has more ownership and advocacy. With ownership comes improved medication adherence. Compounding is also more effective for individuals using multiple prescriptions and supplements needing a more convenient, simple-form option. When medication is more accessible to consume and manage, symptoms are reduced, health improves, and treatment is more successful.
Why doesn’t everyone compound?
Compounding does not discount the effectiveness of standard, manufactured brands. Most prescription drugs are effective and convenient for most patients. These drugs are also easier to access, as prescriptions can be filled at most big-box pharmacies. Compounding can sometimes take longer and may require a larger upfront cost. For patients with severe or unique circumstances, however, the benefits of compounding far outweigh the risks of taking a standard prescription. Compounding is also performed by smaller, local pharmacists with extensive practice experience. Patients who want more control, customization, and advanced communication with a pharmacist will benefit from compounding.
A customized medication solution at your fingertips
For decades, manufactured brands have continued to supply millions of Americans with the necessary prescription medication. These brands ensure consistent dosages and forms across the board. With compounding, patients now have the power of choice. A compounding pharmacy can create a custom solution if manufactured brands are difficult to consume, difficult to source, or ineffective. Discuss the possibility of compounding with a local pharmacist. The team can review all current medications and develop a custom option to work around any challenges.
