Did you know that not every medication is a one-size-fits-all solution?
While most prescriptions are available in standard strengths and dosage forms, some patients have unique needs that require a more personalized approach. That’s where pharmacy compounding comes in.
Pharmacy compounding allows pharmacists to customize medications when commercially available products simply don’t meet a patient’s individual needs. Instead of relying on a mass-produced medication, a compounded prescription is prepared specifically for you based on your healthcare provider’s instructions.
Why Would Someone Need a Compounded Medication?
There are many reasons why a compounded medication may be the best option. Some of the most common include:
Allergies or Sensitivities
Some patients are allergic or sensitive to dyes, preservatives, gluten, lactose, or other inactive ingredients found in manufactured medications. Compounding allows those ingredients to be left out while still providing the medication your healthcare provider prescribed.
Custom Doses
Sometimes the available strengths simply don’t meet a patient’s needs. A compounded medication can be prepared in the exact dose prescribed by your healthcare provider, helping improve both safety and accuracy.
Different Dosage Forms
Not everyone can swallow pills. Compounded medications can often be prepared as liquids, creams, gels, ointments, capsules, or other dosage forms that are easier to take or apply.
Pediatric Patients
Children often need medications in smaller doses than what’s commercially available. Compounding also allows pharmacists to prepare flavored liquid medications that can make it easier for children to take the medicine they need.
Veterinary Patients
Our furry family members sometimes need medications in strengths or flavors that aren’t commercially available. Compounding can help make medications easier, and less stressful, for pets to take.
Drug Shortages
Drug shortages have become increasingly common in recent years. In certain situations, and when permitted by compounding regulations, compounding pharmacies may be able to prepare a temporary alternative when a commercially manufactured medication is unavailable, and your healthcare provider determines it’s appropriate.
The Two Types of Pharmacy Compounding
There are two main categories of pharmacy compounding.
Sterile Compounding
Sterile compounding is used for medications that must be completely free of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms because they’re administered into areas of the body that require complete sterility.
Examples include:
- Injectable medications
- IV medications
- Certain eye preparations
These medications are prepared in highly controlled cleanroom environments using specialized equipment and strict procedures to help maintain sterility.
Non-Sterile Compounding
Non-sterile compounding involves preparing medications that don’t require sterile conditions.
Examples include:
- Creams
- Ointments
- Gels
- Lotions
- Capsules
- Powders
- Oral suspensions
- Flavored liquid medications
Each prescription is carefully prepared according to your healthcare provider’s instructions using specialized equipment and quality standards to help ensure accuracy and consistency.
Cushing Family Pharmacy proudly offers non-sterile compounding to help meet the unique medication needs of our patients.
Do I Need a Prescription?
In most cases, yes.
Most compounded medications require a prescription from your healthcare provider. The prescription tells the pharmacist exactly how the medication should be customized to meet your individual needs.
Your pharmacist and healthcare provider work together to ensure your compounded medication is both safe and appropriate for your treatment.
Is a Compounded Medication the Same as a Generic Medication?
No.
A generic medication is commercially manufactured and FDA-approved to be equivalent to a brand-name medication.
A compounded medication, on the other hand, is individually prepared by a licensed pharmacy for a specific patient. Rather than being mass-produced, it’s customized based on your healthcare provider’s prescription to meet your unique needs.
Personalized Care You Can Count On
One of the greatest benefits of working with a local independent pharmacy is having access to personalized medication solutions. If a standard medication isn’t available in the strength, dosage form, or formulation you need, compounding may be an option worth discussing with your healthcare provider.
We’re also proud to recognize Jasmine, our dedicated compounding technician! Jasmine is passionate about helping patients find personalized medication solutions and is committed to providing exceptional care with a friendly smile. Whether you have questions about compounded medications or want to learn if compounding may be right for you, she’s here to help.
If you’ve ever been told your medication isn’t available in the right strength, you’ve had difficulty swallowing pills, have allergies to certain inactive ingredients, or think a customized medication could better meet your needs, stop by Cushing Family Pharmacy or give us a call. We’d be happy to answer your questions and work with your healthcare provider to determine whether a compounded medication is the right solution for you.